Pretoria - The Ministerial Enquiry on Nomzamo (Lwandle) evictions has completed its community oral presentations with the affected members of the community.
However, the enquiry will continue to take statements from the members of the community, who were affected by the evictions last month.
On Friday, the enquiry will hear from the representatives of the South African Police Services (SAPS).
“In the interest of transparency and meaningful public participation, the enquiry will conduct its hearings in public and everyone interested can attend,” said enquiry spokesperson Vusi Tshose.
The ministerial enquiry was appointed by Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu to investigate the eviction of more than 800 residents from their informal settlements, following a court order that they be removed, as the land they stayed on was being occupied illegally.
Their shacks were demolished and set alight. Many people lost most or all of their possessions.
The land in question was reportedly owned by the SA National Roads Agency (Sanral), which is earmarked for road construction.
The Commission has been given two months by the minister to report back with the findings that would reveal the circumstances that led to the inhumane evictions.
It will probe the execution of the court order by SANRAL and the role of the relevant Sheriff for the jurisdiction of Cape Town; the roles of the SAPS, the Cape Town Metro Police and any other official of the national, provincial and local government involved, among others. – SAnews.gov.za
