SAHRC slams Lesufi's plan for night-time evictions

THE South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has condemned the evictions being carried out by municipalities, private security companies, and other state-sanctioned actors.

- HOPE NTANZI

These evictions, often executed without court orders and in clear violation of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act 19 of 1998 (PIE), are described by the Commission as a “grave violation of the Constitution and a direct assault on the dignity of the most vulnerable in our society.”

The SAHRC expressed serious concern about statements made by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who indicated that evictions in Gauteng “will be conducted in the dead of night even at 2am” as part of efforts to reclaim hijacked buildings and dismantle informal settlements.

Speaking after a Gauteng Executive Council meeting, Lesufi said demolitions would happen at 2am but did not specify exact dates.

He revealed that over 400 new informal settlements have recently emerged and warned that “partnerships with municipalities will be strengthened” to stop further land invasions.