Shack dwellers to fight removal

Call for time to appeal against court decision on demolition

Tensions are expected to run high in Uitenhage’s Tiryville informal settlement today as residents have vowed violent opposition to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s plan to demolish their shacks.

The metro is expected today to carry out its court order – granted in May last year – to demolish the shacks in the area within six months if residents do not leave voluntarily.

Late last night residents had started to block off entry to and from the area, saying they had received a tip-off that municipal officials and police would evict them in the middle of the night. They said they were ready for a stand-off.

Ward 45 councillor Monde Vaaltyn said a full contingent of police would accompany the sheriff of the court and municipal workers to carry out the court order.

But resident Maggie Jacobs has vowed to fight tooth and nail to keep her home and those of her neighbours.

-Rochelle de Kock