Despite Human Rights Commission concerns, Lesufi insists evictions will proceed

JOHANNESBURG - Despite serious concerns by the Human Rights Commission over planned mass informal settlement evictions in Gauteng, Premier Panyaza Lesufi insists they will go ahead.

The Commission has labelled the plans inhumane after Lesufi warned about the unprecedented dismantling of illegal dwellings in the province soon.

Lesufi announced at a media briefing last week announcing the operations would unfold at the crack of dawn while people slept.

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Lesufi warns of 'unprecedented number of evictions and dismantling of informal settlements' in Gauteng

Lesufi’s comments have attracted attention from the Human Rights Commission, which said his rhetoric was “dangerous”.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Lesufi said the Commission has nothing to worry about.

“I don’t understand because our approach has been very simple, we will do everything within the law. We have never propagated that we will do anything outside the law and we still maintain that. I don’t want to be in a tussle with the HRC, they play a very important role, and I support the role they play.”