UPDATE: Homeless people evicted from Castle of Good Hope

CAPE TOWN - A group of homeless people have been evicted from the Castle of Good Hope after living on the property for two years. 
 
The sheriff of the court, with the assistance of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Cape Town Metro Police, removed the unlawful occupants from the national monument on Friday.

Earlier, two structures were set alight in protest of the eviction, but since police and firefighters arrived to douse the blaze, there had been no resistance.

ALSO READ: CoCT hoping offers for alternative living spaces will be taken up as Castle eviction looms

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the removal of the homeless from the site just outside the castle is a significant step for the city. 
 
"The City of Cape Town welcomes this positive milestone. Positive for the whole city, positive for this heritage site, and positive for those who were living in indignity at this site for several years. This has been a very visible site of urban decay in recent years, and its clean up today is an important moment for urban restoration in the city," Hill-Lewis said.
 
The mayor said he's relieved the illegal occupation has come to an end, not only for tourism but also for the sake of the unlawful occupants. 
 
The Department of Public Works secured an eviction order to clear the grounds two months ago.  
 
The homeless have been offered accommodation at safe space shelters in the metro.