Elisha Molefe
Elisha Molefe
The conflict between the North West Housing Corporation and residents of GaTholo Heights in Mmabatho's Unit Seven is raging on as occupants refuse to be evicted.
Riot police had to be called in yesterday after residents vowed to fight back if Red Ants Security personnel evicted them.
Ten blocks of flats that belonged to the (NWHC) were auctioned off last year to four landlords for R60 million.
NWHC spokesman Tshepiso Letsele said the tenants failed to pay at least half of the R17 million rent owed to the corporation.
"The only option to pay our service providers was to sell some of our assets," said Letsele.
Spokesman for the Joint Tenants Committee (JTC) Daddy Sebolecwe said they received letters saying they must either purchase the flats or look for alternative accommodation.
On Sunday, more than 1 000 residents held a night vigil at GaTholo Heights waiting for the Red Ants to show up. But instead, a convoy of riot police arrived.
Six people were injured when police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
Navigator Motlhabane, 27, who was hit below the right eye by a stray rubber bullet, said he would lay a charge with the police.
Mmabatho police spokesman Captain Sabata Mokwabane said that no one had laid a charge against the police by late yesterday.
6 hurt as cops fire on protesters
Elisha Molefe
Elisha Molefe
The conflict between the North West Housing Corporation and residents of GaTholo Heights in Mmabatho's Unit Seven is raging on as occupants refuse to be evicted.
Riot police had to be called in yesterday after residents vowed to fight back if Red Ants Security personnel evicted them.
Ten blocks of flats that belonged to the (NWHC) were auctioned off last year to four landlords for R60 million.
NWHC spokesman Tshepiso Letsele said the tenants failed to pay at least half of the R17 million rent owed to the corporation.
"The only option to pay our service providers was to sell some of our assets," said Letsele.
Spokesman for the Joint Tenants Committee (JTC) Daddy Sebolecwe said they received letters saying they must either purchase the flats or look for alternative accommodation.
On Sunday, more than 1 000 residents held a night vigil at GaTholo Heights waiting for the Red Ants to show up. But instead, a convoy of riot police arrived.
Six people were injured when police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
Navigator Motlhabane, 27, who was hit below the right eye by a stray rubber bullet, said he would lay a charge with the police.
Mmabatho police spokesman Captain Sabata Mokwabane said that no one had laid a charge against the police by late yesterday.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos