MEC Fritz commends community efforts to restore calm following land invasions

Yesterday, the Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz met with community members from Belmont Park, Kraaifontein, to resolve matters related to the recent spate of land invasions. Minister Fritz has welcomed this fruitful engagement and the positive steps taken by the community to restore calm thus far.

In past weeks, there have been numerous service delivery related protests which were accompanied by land invasions, tire burnings, attacks on vehicles and people. We have seen these in Kraaifontein, Khayelitsha, St Helena Bay, Du Noon, amongst others. Minister Fritz previously met with the National Police Commissioner, Khehla Sitole, on the spate of violent protest action and land invasions in the province.

Minister Fritz said, “During yesterday’s meeting, we discussed a number of interventions to address the spate of land invasions in the Kraaifontein area and improve its safety overall. Amongst these solutions included encouraging community members to join the local Neighbourhood Watch structures, creating a Central Improvement District (CID) and assisting in the vetting of security companies.”

Minister Fritz added, “In our discussions yesterday, it was clear that the community are concerned about the extent of land invasions in the area. However, they are pursuing every possible avenue to restore calm and ensure that land invasions are put to a stop. I commend its safety stakeholders on their tireless efforts.”

Minister Fritz continued, “I will continue to engage with the Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Yolisa Matakata on matters related to these land invasions to ensure that no stone is left unturned in our efforts to restore calm to the province following the recent spate in land invasions.”

The Minister of Human Settlements, Tertius Simmers said, “I reiterate that violent protest action and land invasions are illegal and will never be condoned. These attacks are malicious and affect the most vulnerable in our society as in most cases, the land in question is earmarked for projects intended to benefit the surrounding community. These invasions not only jeopardise the wellbeing of the community but further come at great expense of the local municipalities, particularly the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Government.” 

Minister Fritz said, “During the course of recent protest action, I was alerted to the tragic shooting of Leo Williams (9) in St Helena Bay amidst recent protest action. Williams was shot in the head whilst sitting indoors, reportedly by a stray bullet shot by a SAPS officer. I have written to the office of the Provincial Commissioner requesting further clarity on this matter and welcomed the investigation by IPID.”

Minister Fritz continued, “Sadly, after two weeks, Williams was taken off life support at the red cross war memorial children’s hospital. I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the family and community during this difficult time. No parent should bury their child.”

Attention broadcasters, please see English audio clip here: https://clyp.it/xibzraph