IT IS almost a daily occurrence.
Eviction notices are ignored, the Red Ants arrive, occupants protest but in the end, the occupants are driven away or resettled.
BUT THIS TIME, EVICTION VIOLENCE HAS BEEN DRIVEN TO A NEW, DEADLY LEVEL.
A bloody clash erupted between the Red Ants and residents of the dusty plain that is known as
Kanana Extension in Hammanskraal, Tshwane.
Two security guards from the City of Tshwane were reported to have lost their lives when angry community members turned on the officials and the Red Ants.
One of them was even set on fire after being beaten.
Another six were rushed to hospital in a serious condition after being badly beaten by residents.
More than 20 trucks belonging to the Red Ants and Majority Security Company, which is contracted to the City of Tshwane, arrived in the village yesterday morning to remove and destroy shacks.
Although Makinta Highway was blocked with rocks, burning tyres and burnt out buses, the Red Ants and security officers soon gained entrance to the area and started dismantling the shacks.
Residents started throwing stones and petrol bombs and the guards fought back. The violence soon escalated. Live ammunition was fired, rocks, crowbars, rocks and hammers flew and buses were burned.
One guard was burnt and three others attacked and beaten. The Red Ants fled from the area. Residents were served with a notice to move out but they refused.
An angry resident, Herman Mahlaola (54) said that they knew the Red Ants were coming.
“We could not give up our houses. We know the government only listens when we take extreme action. They will now take us seriously and give us land,” he said.
“We have been promised RDP houses since 1994. We are always told there is no land for us but we are tired of living in the back yards of our parents.”
He said if the government wants them to go, they should provide an alternative area.
“We will continue fighting until we are taken seriously. We also deserve services. We have also been promised a better life,” he said.
Another angry resident, Collin Maswanganyi (31), was hit with a crowbar while fighting for his building material.
“I was trying to talk to the Red Ants to give me my building material and furniture. But they were vicious and angry,” he said. “They attacked me and cut my head with a crowbar. I was prepared to die.
“I struggled to get money together for building material because I wanted a home for my family.
“I don’t know where I will sleep with my children tonight.”
Gauteng police spokesman, Captain Tsekiso Mofokeng, confirmed the incidents.
“Two members of the security company were killed by the residents. No arrests have been made,” he said.
“Our members are at the scene to restore calm and our investigations are ongoing.” He said cases of murder and attempted and public violence were opened.
Thembeka and Quinton
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