By Mark Ogagan
A home affairs office in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg was on Tuesday set alight by protesters who are against their looming eviction from Pharoe Park flats due to R200m in rental debt. The residents also blockaded President, Queen and Jack streets. .
However, calm has since been restored though the eviction order on more than 400 households stands.
The City of Ekurhuleni says it obtained an eviction order in June to remove the residents occupying the property unlawfully.
This demonstration sparked outrage and consequently, the Home Affairs offices were engulfed in flames by the angry residents.
Two people have since been arrested on charges of arson, malicious damage to property and public violence.
Personal belongings including shoes, blankets, food, clothes and furniture are still scattered in the streets. This as frustrated residents are still camping outside a block of flats, following their eviction earlier.
Some say they were taken by surprise when people stormed into their homes to evict them. However, the city says eviction notices were issued three months ago and the residents were notified that it would be imminent.
Police presence is still high to monitor the situation.
Discussion about this post