October 27, 2004
By Bafana Nzimande
IN another operation to clear illegal occupants from unsafe and unsanitary buildings, the Red Ants swooped on Registry House in downtown Johannesburg on Tuesday, 26 October.
Some 700 families were evicted from the foul-smelling building as part of the City's ongoing campaign to clampdown on illegal occupations of condemned buildings.
The removal is part of the inner city's regeneration programme to make Johannesburg one of the cleanest and safest places in the country, said Region 8 spokesperson, Roopa Singh.
The evictions, following a High Court hearing, were a joint operation by the South African Police Service, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and the Red Ants - workers from Wozani Security who wear a red uniform.
This is the second time people have been removed from Registry House - the last time was in November 2003.
According to Singh, the City of Johannesburg had been forced to get a second High Court order against the occupants.
"Illegal occupants were previously removed last year due to unsafe building conditions, but unfortunately the building was reinvaded," Singh said.
The building, according to Singh, was unsafe, with serious health and fire hazards.
The building had extra illegal electricity connections, insufficient running water and few working toilets, with an overwhelming stench of urine.
Many of the people being evicted were angry with the council and tried to argue with the Red Ants. "I never knew we were using the building illegally and I think the City of Johannesburg should have informed us about the situation in this building," said resident Bafana Mashoa.
However, Singh said that residents had been warned of the looming removals. "Residents were provided with two-months notice to voluntarily leave the building before being forcibly evicted," Singh said.
The families gathered on the pavement in front of Registry House in a quest to identify their belongings. "I have lost my identification document, which was left inside the building and I am also worried about where will I find a place to sleep," said Nkosinathi Smamane.
Suitable accommodation arrangements would be made for the elderly and the infirm, according to a statement from Region 8.
Registry House is designed for office use and not residential accommodation, according to Singh. "The building will be closed until the rightful owner can take charge of the building," Singh added.
The building, Singh said, would now be guarded to prevent another illegal occupation.
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