By Oyisa George
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has responded to allegations made by residents of the Heritage Occupation in Cape Town’s city centre, disputing claims that one of the occupation’s leaders was unlawfully arrested during a series of police operations earlier this month.
The response follows a previous VOC News report in which residents alleged they had been subjected to repeated police raids, intimidation and unlawful arrests at the Hope Street occupation. Among those interviewed was resident Onke “Oscar” Velembo, who claimed he was arrested without explanation, detained for four days, and later released without appearing before a magistrate.
However, Western Cape police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala said Velembo’s arrest was lawful and followed an alleged assault on a police officer.
“The mentioned suspect was arrested for assault, obstruction of justice, defeating the ends of justice, and resisting arrest,” Gwala said.
She explained that police officers were conducting crime prevention patrols in Cape Town on 2 July when they entered what SAPS described as an abandoned building.
“As part of their crime prevention duties, they entered an abandoned building, where they were confronted by an aggressive 40-year-old suspect. He poked one of the police officers on the forehead while telling them to leave. Members managed to subdue the suspect and arrest him,” Gwala said.
Residents of the Heritage Occupation have maintained that police entered the premises without warrants during operations conducted on 1 July. They alleged that officers intimidated residents, targeted members of the occupation’s leadership, used excessive force, and carried out unlawful searches.
The Heritage Occupation has been home to more than 200 residents since September 2025, with occupants saying they are engaged in an ongoing legal battle over access to affordable housing in Cape Town’s city centre.
Photo: VOCfm
