A Cape Town City Council disciplinary committee has sentenced DA Councillor Frank Martin to a one-month suspension for his role in instigating the biggest post-1994 home invasion in South Africa’s history, in Delft, in December 2007.

Approximately 1700 two-bedroom homes that were then under construction as part of the N2 Gateway development were illegally invaded – and many severely damaged.

The monetary cost of the invasion – which endured for three months prior to the invaders being evicted by the Sheriff of the Court – amounted to more than R40m. This includes legal and security costs, and the costs of repairing damage to the homes.

It excludes the costs of delays to the project, and the considerable human costs.

Councillor Martin’s actions effectively rendered people homeless. He encouraged them to leave backyard dwellings they lived in to mount the invasion. But after their eviction, they were left with nothing and nowhere to go.

It appears the Cape Town City Council, in its wisdom, has hopelessly under-estimated the gravity of this case. In particular, the Council under-estimated the cost to the most vulnerable people, whose aspirations for dignified homes were exploited for narrow political gain.

Councillor Martin deliberately undermined the legitimacy of the State, and transgressed state processes applicable to all spheres of government, particularly in relation to housing allocations.

His sentence does not match his crime, in human or financial terms.

Now that he has been judged and found guilty by a committee constituted by his peers, criminal charges against Councillor Martin must be pursued. In addition, the Department of Housing will pursue legal processes. Martin  must account for his actions in a court of law.

·        This statement was issued on behalf of the National Director-General of Housing, Mr Itumeleng Kotsoane. For more information please call Mr Ndivhuwo Mabaya on 083 645 7838.