Police are currently looking into an alleged forced eviction that took place at Lovu Seaside, Lautoka. This incident came to light after a complaint was filed by Sofia Farzana, a tenant who claimed that her landlord coerced her into leaving her home. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa confirmed receipt of the complaint.
In a video shared on social media, Ms. Farzana, a mother of two, depicted individuals believed to be landowners removing the perimeter fencing and plants from her property while demanding her eviction. During the video, a man accused Ms. Farzana and her family of selling the land without the landowner’s permission and requested proof of a lease title in her name.
Ms. Farzana countered by stating that her grandmother purchased the land in 1998 and transferred the property’s title to her before her recent passing. “I was born here and raised by my grandmother. She bought this land and built this house. She transferred this property to my name,” she explained.
Additionally, she mentioned that the landowners demanded $15,000 for her to repurchase the land. “They said that 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 confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing, indicating the authorities’ commitment to addressing this situation.
This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by families regarding property rights and landlord-tenant relationships. It highlights the importance of equitable legal measures and support systems for vulnerable individuals, especially during times of distress. It is hopeful that the ongoing investigations will lead to a fair resolution that safeguards the rights of all parties involved.
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