A false sense of calm prevails over Siyahlahla Informal Settlement and Fairleigh, as police patrol the area, there to prevent another home from being set alight. The tension in the air is undeniable, as strife around the RDP homes has torn the community apart.
Recently, the Newcastillian – Online News reported on how a mob targeted an occupant of an RDP home in Siyahlahla Informal Settlement. An incident which saw the RDP home engulfed in flames and the homeowner in police custody.
Read more about the incident here: 100 enraged mob members torch home in Newcastle area
As troubling as this event is, it is not an isolated event. It seems mob justice is becoming the order of the day within the community. An occupant from one of the RDP homes explains, “There is a mob of people attempting to force occupants out of their home.”
Speaking under anonymity out of fear, the homeowner stresses that the mob bullies occupants, as they attempt to gain access to the houses. He adds, “I am under the impression they believe that only shack dwellers should have access to the RDP homes. But there are people such as myself, who followed the necessary steps and registered for the homes. I have not lived in a shack, but I have proof that I followed the correct steps.”
Despite having proof, the resident claims the mob recently approached him—an experience which has left him somewhat unsettled.
He states, “They have told me to leave my home, and if I don’t, they will burn it down. A person cannot reason with them, because when you try to explain what is going on, they come up with more excuses.”
Now, as he and other occupants in RDP homes live in a state of uncertainty, Newcastle Mayor, Cllr Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba is appealing to the community to remain calm—emphasising, “The investigations into the allegations of the RDP houses are underway, we are asking the community to avoid carrying out evictions, and we can also not condone acts of vigilantism. We urge people to remain calm.”
Some allegations surrounding the RDP homes include people from outside the community being allowed to move into the newly built homes, and incidents of corruption.
Looking at the investigations, Cllr Dr Mahlaba assures residents will be notified of the outcome within the next few days. This will hopefully bring closure to the RDP dilemma while addressing some of the allegations, which have been found to be true.
Until the authorities take the appropriate steps, the community is encouraged to refrain from lashing out at the RDP home occupants as burning down the homes will result in no houses, for anyone.
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Author: Quinton Boucher
Edited: Calvin Swemmer
