Category Archives: Bekezela

Groundup: Bekezela residents accuse Red Ants of violence and theft

Photo: Lucia Khumalo in her room in the Bekezela informal settlement in Newtown which she says was trashed by the Red Ants when they evicted residents on Friday. Photo: Ihsaan Haffejee

“Everyone does something to try to make a living but we are pleading for people to assist us with food and warm clothing until we manage to get back on our feet,” By Ihsaan Haffejee for GROUNDUP.

First published on GroundUp

A lack of basic necessities, including food and medicine, is hampering the efforts of the Bekezela community as they attempt to rebuild their homes and lives after being evicted on Friday morning. The eviction was initiated by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) and executed by the Red Ant Security Relocation and Eviction Services (Red Ants). A high court order was subsequently obtained allowing the residents to return but the damage had already been done.  Continue reading