Families are forced to brave the elements
AN ugly war of words has erupted between the Malebogo royal council and the headman of Desmond Park settlement in Senwabarwana near Polokwane over money collected from residents whose houses were demolished last week.
Tension arose after a group of angry residents demanded to be refunded about R420,000 they allegedly paid to local headman Wilson Hlako for the stands. Each household claims to have paid R1,000 to secure a stand.
About 500 homes were demolished after the Blouberg local municipality obtained an eviction order.
The land in question had apparently been earmarked for community development and not for residential purposes.
The Malebogo royal family distanced itself from the situation.
"We have learnt with shock that our headman collected R1000 from each family when he demarcated the stands, which he then sold to the villagers. We want to know how he spent the money because we have not seen a cent. We will be guided by our investigations. If there is any criminality, heads will roll," said chairperson of the Malebogo royal council Tau Molele yesterday.
But Hlako yesterday said the royal council was fully aware of the sale of the stands, how much money was collected and how many families were involved.
" I have given some of the money to the council and used the rest for the day-to-day running of my local council.
"I am baffled that the royal council is now shifting all the blame to me because I always kept them in the loop," he said.
Yesterday, hundreds of residents whose houses where demolished were still forced to sleep out in the freezing winter weather.