By: Natasha Archary
Bulelani Qolani is suing the City of Cape Town for R1.4 million in damages for being dragged from his home naked in 2020.
The case which caused mass uproar across the country, has been dragging on for two years in settlement negotiations which were unsuccessful.
It was in June 2020, during the hard lockdown that Bulelani had his shack destroyed, and Anti-Land Invasion officers dragged the 30-year old onto the streets completely naked.
Now, almost three years later, Bulelani is seeking damages for the physical injuries and emotional trauma he endured during the ordeal.
Bulelani had built a shack for him and his family in eThembeni, Khayelitsha after he lost his job in April 2020.
The destruction of Bulelani’s and other homes in Khayelitsha were later deemed unlawful.
Bulelani who is being represented by attorney Danielle Louw from the Ndifuna Ukwazi Law Centre, said the incident was an insult to his rights and dignity.
“There are proper legal channels to follow before conducting evictions. I didn’t deserve to be treated without any consideration for my dignity. I was about to take a bath when the officers stormed my shack, removing me naked.
There was a video that was shared online, which further humiliated me and stripped me of my dignity.”
Bulelani Qolani is suing the City of Cape Town for dragging him naked during an eviction
According to Louw, the City of Cape Town now has 15-days to respond after they have been served, thereafter the matter will go to trial.
Louw said her client is still open to negotiations and is willing to take an out-of-court settlement if the right offer is made.
“We will talk, but we will not accept something that is not humane, that is not respecting the dignity of Mr Qolani.”
Bulelani Qolani is claiming for the humiliation he suffered, the ridicule he was subjected to, contempt, impairment to his dignity, personality and bodily integrity. He is seeking a total of R1 426 000 in damages.
