Johannesburg – A man accused of vandalising government-built relocation houses in Salvokop, Pretoria, has been released on bail following a brief court appearance.
Opulence Mavuso, a community leader from the Baghdad informal settlement, appeared at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where he was granted R500 bail.
The charges stem from an incident on 26 February, when Mavuso allegedly damaged corrugated iron structures designated for residents set to be relocated from Baghdad. The settlement stands in the way of the multibillion-rand Salvokop precinct development, and many residents have opposed the relocation plans.
Mavuso had visited the site alongside EFF Tshwane PR councillor Odwa Nontununu for an oversight inspection of the proposed housing units. The structures, described by the community as “tin fish shacks,” have been met with resistance from residents.
Authorities allege that Mavuso vandalised some of the units during the visit.
The case has been postponed to 2 April for further investigations.