JOHANNESBURG - The SA Human Rights Commission says it is looking into allegations of extortion at the Nellmapius Heatherly flats in Pretoria East after the building was allegedly hijacked by local gangsters. More than 500 families occupying the three blocks of flats fear for their lives claiming to be terrorised by alleged gang members. They've told Eyewitness News that gangsters armed with rifles and pocket knives have demanded an occupancy fee since 2020. It's understood the residents are forced to pay a monthly fee of R500 to the syndicate or face eviction. ALSO READ: Fearful Nellmapius residents illegally occupying govt flats calling for crackdown on gangsters Gang of extortionists terrorising Pretoria East families illegally occupying govt flats Eyewitness News has also learned that some residents were forcefully kicked out, with their homes being sold for R15,000. Eight people accused of extortion were arrested last month and later released on R5,000 bail. The SAHRC's Zamantungwa Mbeki said the commission will investigate the claims. "We want to gather more facts about what is going on in order for us to do a preliminary assessment of what is actually happening at the premises." It's understood the Human Settlements Department built the property to house qualifying beneficiaries, but it was illegally occupied by desperate families before the end of construction. The department has now called on residents to report all criminal activities to authorities.

Source: EWN