KaNcesi, Hhohho Region – The community of KaNcesi was left in shock and disbelief yesterday morning after witnessing the demolition of a family home in the presence of heavily armed police officers.
The two-bedroom house, valued at over E500 000, and belonging to the Shabangu family, was torn down by a TLB machine while stunned residents looked on helplessly.
The demolished property was reportedly built on farmland allegedly bought by an individual residing just outside Mbabane, who has been pushing its dwellers to vacate. The dispute has been tied up in the courts for the past two to three years.
| Eswatini Observer WhatsApp Channel
Over 20 police officers accompanied a sheriff, who claimed to be carrying out a court order authorising the demolition. However, community members insisted no such documents were shown despite requests.
vehicle departing from spot where officers met after a succesful demolition exercise.
(Pics: Musa Simelane)
Homeowner Bonkhe Shabangu confirmed he was never served with any court order. He had left for work in the morning but rushed back after being alerted about the incident. The demolition reportedly began just after 7am.
Community in Shock
Resident Mduduzi Hlatshwako recalled that his attention was first drawn when he saw a police motorcade approaching the farmland.
“I saw officers carrying long rifles coming in. As they approached the Shabangu house, I called neighbours but was reprimanded by officers who told me to turn back,” he said.
Hlatshwako, along with other residents, claimed attempts to intervene were quickly thwarted as police pushed them away at gunpoint.
He further alleged that when he questioned senior officer Sicelo Dlamini about the demolition despite assurances from the umphakatsi that talks were ongoing, he was threatened with being locked inside a police van.
Fear of More Demolitions
Hlatshwako said the community feared more demolitions could follow, as some individuals continued to claim ownership of portions of the farmland.
“This is our place, kukagogo la (our grandparents’ land),” he said, insisting that residents were never informed about any legitimate sale of the land.
The dispute has previously involved heated confrontations, with firearms allegedly drawn on residents by one of the purported buyers. Traditional authorities, however, denied knowledge of any sale, maintaining the land belonged to His Majesty King Mswati III.
Police Confirm Court Order
Police Information and Communication Officer (PICO) Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the presence of police, stating they were cited by a 2023 court order to provide security during the demolition.
“The court order was issued in 2023 and all relevant parties to the matter are aware. The presence of police officers was to ensure security and safety during the process as per the order of the High Court,” she said.
As the dust settled, the demolished structure remained a chilling reminder of the uncertainty facing hundreds of families living on the contested farmland.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader | View Here
