The battle for homes in Hangberg, the infighting

On September 21 2010 the Hout-Bay police and the Cape metro police went into the Hangberg residential area to evict people from the bungalows they were living in.  The City of Cape Town took the decision to remove and break down these homes as it was build above the breakwater line and build illegally on land owned by the National Parks Board.

 At the break of dawn the police moved into the area and started breaking down the illegal dwellings. This action by the police led to a violent reaction from the locals in whom many people were injured and arrested as the police retaliated indiscriminately by firing into the crowd and damaging property. During the proceeding court case an agreement was reached through mediation whereby a committee representing the Hangberg community and the City of Cape Town would work together to find a peaceful solution.

One of the agreements was that the City would find alternative accommodation for the affected families. Recently the City started putting up temporary accommodation for the families on the site of the old Sea O Rama shop.