Defunct military base families agree to relocation

The first batch of 30 families from Pomfret, a former military base near Vryburg in North West, has finally agreed to be relocated. The families are part of over 3 500 families who have been resisting to be relocated when Pomfret ceased to be a military base eight years ago.

The military base closed due to asbestos pollution in the area. Today, six furniture removal trucks were loading the furniture of those who are volunteering to be relocated. The whole process was under a heavy police guard. A scuffle broke when government officials threatened to demolish the vacated houses.

Later on, three buses arrived to join the removal trucks to ferry members of the families to Mafikeng. Over 100 learners, who were attending the local schools, joined their parents in the relocation.

Government says suitable accommodation has been arranged for the families.

Pomfret families are part of the former 32 battalion, who were recruited from Angola by the former South African Defence Force to fight against the liberation movements in the country about 33 years ago.