MEC Martin Meyer discusses the safety concerns and humanitarian responsibilities surrounding the occupation of the condemned building.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, is navigating a precarious humanitarian and legal dilemma after approximately 1,600 foreign nationals sought refuge in a condemned provincial building in Pietermaritzburg.
While Meyer remains firm that the structure is illegally occupied and poses significant safety risks, he has ruled out an immediate eviction, citing a moral duty to protect vulnerable individuals from exposure in the freezing winter conditions and fears of violence.
The occupation began following a protest in Pietermaritzburg on Friday, including the reported death of a foreign national. Driven by fear of further unrest, hundreds of individuals began seeking temporary refuge in an abandoned, condemned provincial building starting on Saturday morning to escape the growing hostility in the area.
Despite security presence, the building was overwhelmed by individuals who breached the gates, with over 150 people entering before the SAPS arrived.
