Gang of extortionists terrorising Pretoria East families illegally occupying govt flats

JOHANNESBURG - More than 500 families occupying the Nellmapius Heathery Flats in Pretoria East are fearing for their lives as the building was hijacked by alleged gang members.
 
Residents told Eyewitness News that gangsters hailing from Mamelodi have been forcing them to pay R500 a month to stay in the government-owned block of flats.

They claim the heavily armed gangsters threaten and assault community members - forcing them to adhere to their rules.
 
Eight of the alleged extortionists have been arrested and were released on R5,000 bail by the Mamelodi Magistrates Court earlier in February.
 
The Nellmapius Heathery Flats are illegally occupied by more than 500 desperate families, who’ve managed to install water pipes and electricity connections at the property.
 
Residents aren’t paying rent and other municipal taxes, and gang members are now allegedly forcing them to pay the R500 fee per month or face eviction.
 
Several families have been evicted already, including a mother and her visually impaired child.
 
Their homes were sold for a mere R15,000.
 
This resident said while some of the members of the extortion racket have been arrested, she is still living in fear.

“These gangsters used rifles to threaten us to pay R500 and those who couldn’t afford it were violently kicked out.”
 
The Human Settlements Department is trying to secure an eviction order to act against the illegal invasions.