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Fed-up SANDF soldiers dump furniture at PE city hall

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SANDF officials dumping five truckloads of furniture at City Hall. Picture: Nosipiwo Manona
SANDF officials dumping five truckloads of furniture at City Hall. Picture: Nosipiwo Manona

Angry soldiers have retaliated at being evicted from their residences by dumping five truckloads of furniture at the entrance of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality City Hall.

Between 30 and 40 South African National Defence Force soldiers, who were allegedly armed, aggressive and confrontational, illegally occupied Vuyisile Mini Square today before offloading the furniture they had in their possession as a result of an eviction from their base earlier this morning.

The soldiers were led by a Mr Mcotoyi (whose rank is unknown), who said that the instruction to evict them was sent “from Pretoria”.

Council chief whip, Werner Senekal, said he called the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, to get clarity on the situation.

He said Mapisa-Nqakula had no knowledge of the matter but would investigate it.

“I personally spoke to her over the phone. She denies having any knowledge of both the conduct and alleged instruction,” said Senekal.

“The minister committed to intervening and conducting an urgent investigation, on which I will follow up,” he said.

Senekal said the defence force had no right to dump anything on municipal property.

“Through their actions, they have broken numerous bylaws and laws, for which there must be severe consequences.”

                  *Footage courtesy of Herald LIVE

The soldiers were confronted by acting city manager Johann Mettler and several other city officials.

“They pulled out rifles and intimidated the officials. A municipal vehicle was damaged when one of the trucks rammed into the vehicle,” said Senekal.

Senekal said the municipality was seeking an urgent court interdict against the SANDF because the soldiers claimed that they would return with more furniture.

A criminal case would also be opened for malicious damage to property, illegal dumping, intimidation and trespassing, among others.

“I have opened a criminal case at the Humewood Police Station for intimidation, trespassing, dumping on municipal property and attempted murder,” said Mettler.

“When they deliberately rammed the vehicle, MMC for Human Settlements Nqaba Bhanga was inside the vehicle,” he said.

When City Press spoke to Senekal, he was on his way to instruct lawyers to get a court order against the SANDF, demanding that they remove the furniture.

Senekal said they would not allow acts of this nature to take place without consequences.

“This is a major concern; that surreal tactics can play out in a democracy is absolutely shocking,” said Senekal.

“The municipality will not allow acts of this nature to go unpunished and those responsible will be made to account in a court of law.”

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