MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The KwaNonqaba Farmers' Association reacted with frustration on Thursday, 21 February, as Red Ant Security Relocation & Eviction Services were deployed to demolish a number of recently-erected enclosures in an area known as the Pig Farm in KwaNonqaba.
Kaya Bayi, secretary of the Farmers' Association, said the farmers did not know what to do with their cattle and goats as the enclosures which were used to keep them overnight, were destroyed by a large contingent of the Red Ants.
All material used for the enclosures was initially confiscated and loaded on to closed delivery trucks for removal.
A heavy presence of armed security personnel was deployed and formed a cordon around the area. No one was allowed inside the cordon, while red-clad security staff demolished a number of presumably unoccupied pens.
The community, however, claims that the pens were not disused, but empty, as the animals were allowed out to graze.
The SPCA was present to ensure no animals were hurt or in danger and to remove animals should it be necessary.
Bayi said in his opinion the municipality acted in bad faith by having the structures removed. "We had a meeting with the municipality late last year. They have been supplying us with water for the animals. We had an agreement that no new kraals would be built beyond a certain line, and the Farmer's Association was strict about that."
He said existing enclosures were clearly marked after the meetings with the municipality and there was an agreement that a sign would be posted to prevent further expansion beyond a specific area.
"There were no sign boards posted; the municipality did not keep to its side of the agreement," Bayi argues.
"This morning I was very surprised to hear that kraals were being demolished. It is unclear at this stage who authorised the Red Ants [to do this]."
Bayi alleged that after negotiations with the municipality it was agreed that "there had been a mistake" in demolishing some of the enclosures.
Members of the Farmers' Association expressed their anger at their materials having been damaged or destroyed in the process. They said they would do a cost assessment and reclaim their losses from the municipality.
The municipal spokesperson, Colin Puren, said the Farmers' Association itself had asked for the enclosures erected in recent weeks to be removed.
"We also regularly receive complaints about the enclosures from residents. It was therefore decided to have the newly-erected enclosures removed," Puren said.
"A meeting with the farmers is scheduled for 18:00 tonight, Tuesday 26 February.
The community on Thursday evening protested against the removals by starting fires in the vicinity. In addition, the surface of Mayixhale Road was damaged with pick axes and traffic had to be rerouted as a result. The damage to the road was repaired very early on Friday morning.
The situation is being monitored.
Municipal law enforcement members and the SPCA were confronted by the angry farmers.
One of the cows that had been sent out to graze. Security officers were deployed to form a cordon around the area known as the Pig Farm.
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