Some residents from Marry Me informal settlement say left in lurch by govt after relocation promises

Some frustrated community members at the Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve said they’ve been left in the lurch by government following calls to be relocated from the area over safety concerns.

Residents in the area said the brutal attack that left six community patrollers dead earlier in 2025 has caused fear and anxiety.

ALSO READ: Survivor of Marry Me informal settlement community patrollers attack says life has worsened

The patrollers were part of a group stoned and set alight by unknown assailants.

The family of one of the slain patrollers has accused government of failing to honour a number of promises made after the attack.

Another sibling from the same family survived the attack but was left severely injured.

The mother of the two boys said Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi promised to relocate them to a new area, provide them with food parcels for up to six months, counselling and free medical help.

She said she hasn’t received the help promised to the family.

Tshwane MMC for Human Settlements Aaron Maluleka addressed the matter: "There was no promise from ourselves, it was Premier Lesufi who said we need to make sure that these families have decent shelter and as part of the development of Marry Me, they will then benefit and get houses."

The area's local councillor, Tshepo Malefane, said work is being done to respond to the families’ needs.

"We are hoping that by the end of this year, we would have formally communicated to the families with something that is positive about relocating them to a proper place."

One person was arrested for the attack.