Authorities are looking into an alleged forced eviction that took place in Lovu Seaside, Lautoka, yesterday. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa confirmed that a complaint was filed by a tenant named Sofia Farzana, who asserts that her landlord compelled her to leave her residence.
Ms. Farzana, a mother of two, took to social media to share a video that purportedly shows individuals believed to be the landowners dismantling the perimeter fencing and removing plants from her property while insisting on her eviction. In the video, a man claims that Ms. Farzana and her family sold the land without receiving the landowner’s consent and demanded proof of a lease title in her name. However, Ms. Farzana insists that her grandmother purchased the land in 1998 and had transferred the title to her before passing away recently.
“I was born here and raised by my grandmother. She bought this land and built this house, and she transferred the property into my name,” Ms. Farzana stated. She also mentioned that the landowners are asking for $15,000 to allow her 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,” she expressed.
SSP Vaisewa confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
This situation sheds light on the complexities surrounding land ownership and tenant rights, emphasizing the need for proper legal mediation in such disputes. While the family faces a troubling ordeal, the ongoing investigation may lead to a resolution that upholds their rights and well-being, presenting a hopeful prospect for Ms. Farzana and her children.
In summary, police are investigating a complaint from a tenant regarding alleged unlawful eviction by landowners in Lautoka, with the tenant asserting her rightful ownership of the property despite significant pressures and demands for monetary compensation. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of legal protections for tenants facing similar situations.
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