Minister Simmers condemns invasion of units at the Forest Village development
4 December 2021
I condemn in the strongest possible terms the attempted invasion and occupation of houses at the Forest Village Housing Project, which occurred last night in Eersteriver.
It is alleged that a group of residents who were approximately 150 strong and from various areas such as Woodstock, Manenberg, Elsiesriver and Kalkfontein shared various messages on WhatsApp to encourage the invasion and occupation of these units.
At this stage it is estimated that 126 units were invaded. The extent of the damage is currently being ascertained and this will assist in determining what the cost of repairs will be. Last night the security ejected 80 occupiers, and today the Sheriff removed those who remained.
These attempts cannot be condoned, as it is counter-productive to ensuring that those who have been approved for a housing opportunity in this project, are unable to move in. In addition, it also causes unnecessary delays to the full completion of small work that still needs to be done to the units, and now with damage that would have to be repaired.