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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
A local magistrate recently granted Beitbridge Town Council the green light to evict squatters who had become a perennial menace near Dulivhadzimo Bus Terminus. More than 20 people had set up shacks around Siyaso Market 2, and along Beitbridge-Bulawayo Road.

The squatters have been fighting running battles with municipal police, while resisting eviction. Beitbridge town secretary Mr Loud Ramakgapola said they had tried for several years to evict the illegal settlers without success.

“We had to resort to legal action when efforts to engage the illegal occupants failed to yield results. We are now working on the processes of moving those people from the Siyaso Market. As a local authority, we cannot fold our hands and allow unplanned settlements to sprawl. We advise residents to respect our laws so as to avoid unnecessary eventualities,” he said.

It is also understood that some of the shacks harboured dangerous criminals, who operate from Dulivhadzimo Gorge and illegal crossing points along the Limpopo River.

Police recently shot dead a suspected dangerous criminal near the same area after he charged at armed detectives. According to the court order, the police, along with the Messenger of Court should immediately evacuate the squatters and demolish their structures.

“The respondents and all those claiming occupation through them be and are hereby ordered to vacate an area surrounding Siyaso Market, Beitbridge forthwith upon serving this Order,” reads part of the judgement.