Authorities are currently looking into claims of a forced eviction that took place at Lovu Seaside in Lautoka yesterday. The Divisional Police Commander West, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa, confirmed that a complaint was filed by a tenant, Sofia Farzana, who states that her landlord compelled her to leave her home.
SSP Vaisewa stated that police have received a report regarding the situation. Ms. Farzana, a mother of two, has shared a video on social media depicting individuals, alleged landowners, removing fencing and plants from her property while insisting on her eviction. A man featured in the video accused Ms. Farzana and her family of selling the land without the landowner’s permission and demanded that she provide proof of ownership.
In her defense, Ms. Farzana explained that her grandmother purchased the land in 1998 and that ownership was transferred to her before her grandmother’s recent passing. “I was born here. I was raised by my grandmother. She bought this land and built this house. It is now under my name,” she declared.
Additionally, she reported that the landowners are seeking $15,000 to allow her family to repurchase the land. “They said if we want to stay here, we must buy the land again with a new title. Where do we get the money? My husband is a struggling chef. This is a degrading and humiliating experience for me and my two little children,” Ms. Farzana lamented.
SSP Vaisewa indicated that the investigation into the matter is still ongoing.
The situation highlights the pressing issue of housing security and the challenges faced by tenants in property disputes. It also raises questions about the rights of tenants and the processes around land ownership. Hopefully, a resolution can be found that is fair and just for all parties involved, allowing Ms. Farzana and her family to remain in their home.
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