Demolition Leaves Plastic View Families Homeless in Rustenburg

Scores of families at the Plastic View informal settlement in Rustenburg found themselves homeless today as law enforcement officers executed a court order to demolish their residential structures. The operation took place on Wednesday, November 22, 2022.

The residents, expressing their anger and frustration, staged a protest by blocking the R510 road with burning tires. This act of civil disobedience aimed to draw attention to their plight after being displaced from their homes. The community’s outcry reflects the human impact of the legal decision to prohibit occupation of the land, as per a ruling from the High Court.

Law enforcement officers were deployed in large numbers to ensure the enforcement of the court order. The demolitions targeted structures that had been erected in violation of the court’s directive, leaving families with no choice but to witness their homes being dismantled.

The Plastic View informal settlement has been a focal point of legal battles regarding land occupation and housing rights. This latest development adds to the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities in Rustenburg, highlighting the complex interplay between legal decisions and the lived experiences of those directly affected.