SAHRC intervenes, halts Lawley demolitions
The City of Johannesburg has halted the demolition of illegal shacks in Lawley following talks with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
Residents of the Kokotela informal settlement took to the streets on Sunday to protest against the decision to evict them from the area.
READ: Makhubo visits Lawley, 5 nabbed for ‘land invasion’
The notorious Red Ants demolished more than 80 shacks last week.
The residents subsequently turned to the courts, but both applications to halt the evictions were dismissed
The commission visited the area on Monday with Johannesburg Mayor Geoff Makhubo.
Spokesperson Gushwell Brooks says the mayor has agreed to halt the demolitions.
“The commission views the land occupation as symptomatic of an acute need for housing near economic opportunities and the slow progress of land reform.
“The executive mayor of the city has agreed to the request and will meet with the commission at the city’s offices on Thursday…to find amicable and implementable solutions.”