FOUR MILE WORKS COMPOUND EVICTION UNDER HEAVY POLICE PRESENCE

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL
AN eviction exercise is currently underway at the Four Mile Works compound under heavy police presence.

Last week, the Assistant Commissioner of Police of the National Capital District /Central Command, Benjamin Turi issued a statement, advising the public of the eviction exercises that will be carried out throughout the city.

At 2pm this afternoon, residents of the four-mile works compound stand amidst the pouring rain, as excavators and police move in, breaking down houses, trade stores and livelihoods.

This newsroom was on location but was denied access to the eviction site.

Police Personnel advised that media would have to seek permission from the National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab before entering the site.

As tension remain high at the four-mile area, police are seen to be maintaining heavy presence, fearing retaliation from the residents who have been displaced.

Meantime, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for the National Capital District and Central Provinces, Benjamin Turi, in a statement this week, affirmed that Police will enforce directives from the courts in eviction exercises only when documents are genuine.

He says those who seek police assistance must provide all genuine legal documents.

He made this remarks inlight of a next planned eviction exercise in the nation’s capital for the Talai and Gorobe areas.

ACP Turi clarified that the police are working closely with all agencies involved to ensure the eviction exercise is completed successfully and this message is part of police awareness for those residing in the mentioned locations to be prepared for the evictions.

ACP Turi also confirmed his office had been notified that there will be some major eviction exercises happening around the city, and carried out by landowners or property owners and police will assist to ensure these eviction exercises go smoothly.