Activist 'beaten' on minister's doorstep in row over house

23 May 2016 - 09:54 By APHIWE DEKLERK

Cabinet minister Mcebisi Skwatsha is at the centre of a personal housing dispute that culminated in a bloody confrontation on his Cape Town doorstep. The deputy minister of rural development and land reform bought a house in Gugulethu in 2011 - but the previous owners are refusing to let go. They demanded that a burial ceremony take place from the house where Skwatsha's family now lives. When he refused, the Abemi Base Kapa community activism group protested outside the house at least three times.Last week they met resistance from residents and ANC Youth League members, and group chairman Mncedisi Twalo claims he was assaulted and needed medical attention.The trouble started with the death of a Tsotsobe family member whose last wish was that her burial ceremony take place at the house.Twalo asked for permission from Skwatsha, who refused.Twalo has cellphone images that show him surrounded by a group - some in ANCYL T-shirts - who appear to be assaulting him. He has laid a charge of assault ."I was the one who was targeted because I am the leader ... I have been beaten up by that hired group," said Twalo.But Skwatsha said the protesters were assaulted by residents."Those guys were aggressors, they had no business to be in that street. They don't stay there . they were an aggressive mob," he said.The Tsotsobes could not be reached for comment but Twalo said they were evicted after defaulting on loan repayments...

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