Police are currently looking into an alleged forced eviction incident that occurred at Lovu Seaside in Lautoka. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa confirmed that they have received a complaint from a tenant, Sofia Farzana, who claims her landlord pressured her to leave her home.
In a video shared on social media, Ms. Farzana, a mother of two, showed individuals, thought to be the landowners, removing fencing and plants from her property while insisting on her eviction. The man in the footage accused Ms. Farzana and her family of selling the land without the necessary permission from the landowner. He requested evidence of a lease title in her name.
Ms. Farzana has stated that her grandmother purchased the land in 1998 and passed the title to her before her recent passing. “I was born here. I was raised by my grandmother. She bought this land and built this house. She transferred the property to my name,” she affirmed. Additionally, she mentioned that the landowners have demanded $15,000 for her to repurchase the land.
“This is a degrading and humiliating experience for me and my two little children. My husband is a struggling chef. Where do we get the money?” Ms. Farzana lamented, highlighting the severe emotional and financial strain this situation has placed on her family.
SSP Vaisewa confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
This situation highlights the importance of tenancy rights and the need for clear communication between landlords and tenants to prevent misunderstandings. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by families like Ms. Farzana’s, particularly in times of financial strain. Hopefully, the ongoing investigation will lead to a resolution that respects the rights of the tenants while addressing any legitimate concerns from the landowners.
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