Angry Hangberg residents yesterday clashed with cops and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officers after two homes were demolished during an anti-land invasion operation yesterday morning.
Rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades were fired in battles between police in armoured vehicles and residents, who threw stones and built burning barricades in the streets.
The vehicles of two innocent bystanders, who were driving through the area, were stoned by protesters.
Police have opened a case of public violence after about 100 people protested against the demolition of the structures which were built on City-owned land in Harbour Road near the Hout Bay
clinic.
TENSE: Police presence in Hout Bay
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana says no arrests were made.
Hout Bay community leader Roscoe Gabriels took to Facebook, slamming the City for being “heartless” to destroy people’s homes in the pouring rain.
An angry resident, who did not want to be named, told the Daily Voice: “When there are women and children being murdered, they do not send so much manpower, and even for gangsters. But for two structures they send out so many vans.”
Councillor Malusi Booi, Mayco Member for Human Settlements, says the demolished structures were not occupied and were erected illegally.
“The City, supported by the South African Police Service, dismantled two unoccupied illegally erected structures, one being a half built brick and cement foundation.
“No one has been living in these structures permanently.
“This was not an eviction. The City cannot allow illegal occupation of land.”
“Those inhabitants will not have services, often settle on land that is flood-prone as we can see across the metro currently as well.”
Ward councillor Rob Quintas says residents were warned not to build the houses: “Those involved with illegal building have over the past months been served with warnings and notices, and have not desisted in their activity.”
Residents of Hangberg protest after the City of Cape Town demolished houses during the storm that engulfed the Western Cape. Video: Armand Hough/ANA
JP Smith, Mayco Member for Safety and Security, says they have received complaints from residents in neighbouring communities like Oudekloof: “I received (nine complaints) from residents. They are too scared to speak publicly for fear of their safety.”
Gabriels said he supported people who needed land.
Ginola Phillips was shot with rubber bullets. Video: Armand Hough/African News Agency(ANA)
“This morning, while it was raining, the City was here in Hout Bay, in the Hangberg area, breaking down people’s homes. Black lives matter, we need land.
“If we don’t get land, we should take it, that I am not shying away from,” he says.