The case of trespassing against the 81-year old Thokozile Mbhele from Kroonstad in the Free State has been dropped on compassionate grounds by the Moqhaka local municipality. Mbhele was arrested in May for illegally occupying municipal land. In her latest appearance at the Kroonstad magistrate’s court last Thursday, a trial date was set for August 31st.
Mbhele and her family still live in the shack where she was evicted.
The community outcry led by the Azanian People’s Organisation over Mbhele’s arrest has put enough pressure on the Moqhaka local municipality. The municipality has dropped charges against her and has also made a commitment to give her and her family proper shelter.
Municipal manager Mzwakhe Mofokeng had conceded that the municipality had a backlog on site allocations due to lack of bulk infrastructure. However, it would ensure that Mbhele’s dignity is restored.
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