What began as a routine eviction spiraled into a deadly confrontation when an elderly man was fatally shot. The law enforcement acted swiftly, resulting in the arrest of a security officer believed to be responsible for the shooting.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba explained that the incident occurred on Tuesday morning at Juju Valley informal settlement, near Polokwane, when residents reportedly attacked security officers during the eviction process.

“During an eviction operation conducted by security officers, violence allegedly erupted when occupants reportedly began attacking security officers with stones, resulting in the damage of a TLB vehicle. Amid the chaos, a shot was fired, resulting in the fatal wounding of a 63-year-old man. The man was declared dead at the scene.”

He added that members of the Public Order Policing unit were deployed to the area and successfully managed to restore order.

A case of murder has been opened, which resulted in the arrest of a 39-year-old security officer in connection with the shooting. Police officers also confiscated four licensed firearms belonging to the security company for ballistic analysis.

Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala emphasised that the unlawful occupation of the affected land remains a serious concern, dismissing any claims that the municipality had authorized these invasions as false.

He stated that the municipality had extensively engaged with the illegal occupiers regarding their unlawful settlement. However, their resistance led the municipality to collaborate with the landowners, who granted power of attorney to secure a court order for the eviction.

“The eviction process was carried out in accordance with a court order obtained by the municipality. However, the illegal occupiers later secured an interdict halting further action. As a law-abiding institution, the municipality adhered to the legal ruling and ceased eviction operations accordingly.”

He explained that the eviction was essential due to the illegal occupation of land, which is either municipally registered or privately owned, with the municipality authorised to take action. He emphasised that unregulated settlements hinder planned urban development, place pressure on municipal resources, and negatively affect service delivery.

He further stated that the municipality had engaged extensively with the affected individuals, issuing multiple eviction notices and pursuing legal channels before taking action. While the rise in informal structures has presented legal challenges, he emphasised that illegal occupation will not be tolerated.

“The unlawful occupation of land in affected portions of land has been an ongoing concern since late January. The municipality acknowledges the increasing demand for land as Polokwane continues to grow. However, illegal occupation will not be tolerated. Structured measures are being implemented to ensure land is made available through proper planning and lawful processes that support sustainable development,” He added.

The municipality expressed regret over the tragic loss of life and extended its heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Limpopo obtained a court interdict to stop the eviction process. They compelled the municipality to pay R3 000 in compensation to each affected household for damages.

EFF Provincial Chairperson Lawrence Mapoulo declared victory over the municipality, stating that the court order ensures their children will remain in Juju Valley for years to come. He also highlighted that several people sustained injuries during the eviction process.

“We have defeated them with a court order. Our people are going to stay here forever; we will never leave this place up until our children inherit this place.

Police confirmed that investigations are underway to uncover the full details of the shooting. The suspect is expected to appear in the Seshego Magistrate’s Court soon on a murder charge.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za