Carlo Petersen26 February 2024 | 16:40

PRASA acted illegally when evicting more than 100 people from its land in Wynberg, says CoCT

Wynberg ward councillor Carmen Siebritz said that PRASA failed to follow the process of the law.

PRASA acted illegally when evicting more than 100 people from its land in Wynberg, says CoCT

A PRASA depot. Picture: @PRASA_Group/X

CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town said that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) acted illegally when it evicted more than 100 people from its land near Wynberg railway station. 

The group was evicted over the weekend owing to reports of rampant crime in the area.

Wynberg ward councillor Carmen Siebritz said that PRASA failed to follow the process of the law.

ALSO READ: Wynberg evictions: Prasa says it took a position to 'clean up' & 'get rid' of criminal elements

Siebritz said the city had been engaging PRASA for more than a year to obtain an eviction order to remove the occupants from the land.

She said many of the occupants had now moved to other locations in Wynberg following their removal from the land.

"PRASA's operation now has residents living in Sandhurst Road and surrounds feeling threatened and unsafe because some have gone to occupy PRASA-land right opposite their homes."  

PRASA's acting regional manager, Moseli Ntseki, said that the rail agency was forced to act.

"I wouldn't call it an eviction, it's more of a response to continued criminal activity that was taking place in that area."

Siebritz said that the city would hold PRASA accountable for not following proper procedure.