The erection of the shack had caused a stir among Lerato Park residents, who threatened to follow suit and “grab” land to erect shacks on
THE SOL Plaatje Municipality demolished a shack belonging to Richard Nogenge, who was accused of attempting to jump the queue in order to get a plot of land in Lerato Park.
Municipal spokesperson Sello Matsie said that Nogenge had erected his shack on a business site, which is not for residential purposes, and that the plot was not allocated by the local authority.
The shack was demolished in the absence of the owner on Tuesday, under the observation of the Sol Plaatje relocation officer, Neo Dithebe, the PR ward councillor, Paul Kock, the police and several members of the ward committee.
Nogenge was referred to the housing support centre to register for a plot to be allocated procedurally.
He, however, cried foul and felt that it was unfair for his shack to be demolished without him being allocated an alternative plot.
He admitted to not having followed the proper channels to be allocated a plot.
The ward councillor accused Nogenge of “arrogance”, and said that he had called him several times on Saturday to meet at the plot, but he did not seem interested.
“If he had heeded my call we would not be here today demolishing his shack.
“My call even ended up in a heated argument as he showed that there were more important issues to do than account for his behaviour,” said Kock.
The shack caused a stir among Lerato Park residents, who threatened to follow suit and “grab” every open space in the area and erect shacks on it.
Several residents also claimed that there are other illegal shacks that are being ignored by the municipality while the councillor turns a blind eye.
Kock meanwhile said that this is the fourth shack to be demolished on the same plot this year.
“We don’t have space for new shacks here. Everyone has to follow procedures. There are many people who desperately need plots and are on the waiting list,” said Kock.
According to Nogenge, he was driven by desperation to occupy the plot without following procedures.
He also claimed that his constitutional right of being allocated a place to stay was being denied.
“All shall have the right to occupy land wherever they choose,” Nogenge said.
“I stay in a backyard and we are overcrowded. I admit the councillor did call me to meet at the plot on Saturday, but I was busy. I was aware that I had occupied the land unlawfully, but he was not specific as to why he needed to see me urgently.”
