By Correspondent
Some Zimbabweans may face evictions after a Western Cape High Court granted an eviction order against over 200 people squatting at several inner-city sites.
This judgement comes after another final eviction order, given on 18 June, for various unlawful occupation sites in the Cape Town CBD.
The June 18 order will affect those staying along Buitengracht Street, FW De Klerk Boulevard, Foregate Square, taxi rank and Foreshore.
Also to be removed are those on Helen Suzman Boulevard, Strand Street, Foreshore/N1, Virginia Avenue and Mill Street Bridge in the city.
Zimbabwe has a significant population in South with the majority found in Cape Town, Johannesburg or Gauteng.
A 2022 census revealed that there were 260,952 people in the province who had been born outside of South Africa, comprising 4% of the population.
City Applauds Eviction Order
In a statement the City applauded the move saying it will provide the needed facilities to cater for those evicted.
“The City of Cape Town has welcomed the national Department of Public Works’ launching of an eviction application for the unlawful occupation around the Castle of Good Hope in the CBD.
“The City is spending over R220 million in the next 3 years to operate its Safe Space transitional shelters.
Cape Town currently operates two Safe Spaces at Culemborg in the east CBD.
This place offers 510 shelter beds with a new 300-bed Safe Space in Green Point set to open soon.
The Castle, were the squatters are, is one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town.
It is also a Grade 1 National Monument.
The Mayor for Cape Town Geordin Hill-Lewis said the unlawful occupation at the Castle was impacting its status as a top tourist destination.
