Plots have been marked off with duct tape and rope on a vacant piece of land in Parkwood‚ Cape Town.
“Unfortunately if you happen to be brown‚ this is the problem‚ you are not allowed to have a house‚ you are not allowed to have a job‚” said an angry Faidel Adams‚ who has moved onto the land next to the busy M5 highway.
The land grab began on Saturday and escalated into violent clashes with police after roads were allegedly blocked by protesters in the area.
Housing MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela arrived on Tuesday to calm the rising tensions.
“I do not condone the action of blocking the roads but I saw their living conditions and I understand their frustrations‚” said Madikizela.
“I’ve pleaded with people not to stay here [on the vacant land]‚ as opportunists who don’t deserve a house might pitch up and take advantage of the situation. We must find a way to speed up the process and find a lasting situation
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