Red Ants pounce on squatters

Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - About 219 illegal structures were demolished by the Red Ants near Touwsranten on Tuesday 2 August.

This follows an eviction order that was executed by the Sheriff of the Court assisted by the public order police (Pops), municipal traffic and law enforcement officials.

The property is an environmentally sensitive area that falls within the SANParks buffer area.

The illegal settlement encroaches on water courses, critical biodiversity areas and on ecological support areas and is not earmarked for future housing developments.

"George Municipality has as landowner addressed the illegal land invasion of Erf 125/1, a portion of land which is located outside the urban edge of Touwsranten," said the municipality's communications manager, Chantèl Edwards.

"The illegal occupation of this portion of land took place in September 2020. An interdict was issued by the court and was served on the illegal occupants in November 2021, giving 90 calendar days to vacate the property."

VIDEO: Red Ants demolish structures on environmentally sensitive area

The illegal structures were demolished and the materials were removed and stored at a temporary site with security for a limited period, as per the court order.

According to Edwards, measures have been taken to assist vulnerable individuals. As per the court order, the unlawful occupiers have been given an opportunity to either check their registration on the housing database, or to register, should they qualify.

Municipal officials from the human settlements division were on hand to assist with such registration.

A photo taken by a motorist of one of the police vehicles en route to Touwsranten.