This morning the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) returned to the Phumula Mqashi Land Occupation in Tembisa. They destroyed the people’s shacks and burnt their building materials, as well as their mattresses and clothes. They assaulted six people, men and women, pointed Lerato Ramorei with a gun and beat him severely. They then arrested Lerato. We are extremely concerned about his safety.

It is clear that the EMPD feel that despite the media coverage of their actions at the Phumula Mqashi Land Occupation they can continue to engage in violent and criminal behaviour with impunity. It is clear that for poor black people the rights in the Constitution and others laws only exist in paper. In reality poor black people have no rights in this country.

The EMPD is a violent and criminal organisation that is carrying out its attacks on the Occupation with complete impunity.

Despite these attacks we will not turn back. We will continue to hold the land.

Siyhlala ngenkani.

Khethiwe Linda 083 899 1717
Fortunate Mahlangu 072 813 1416