City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Human Settlements MMC Mlungisi Mabaso has assured Diepkloof residents in Soweto that the municipality will launch a forensic probe into the sale of the Diepkloof Hostel, following violent protests on Monday, that resulted in two deaths.

Diepkloof residents clashed with police in protests relating to the CoJ’s apparent failure to develop land for housing. This as residents expressed anger that the hostel they live in was sold without their knowledge to an unknown buyer. The hostel is set for refurbishment and residents have been moved for this development.

Several protesters were injured amid the looting of trucks. Police also raided the hostel for stolen goods.

The municipality said it became aware of the land transaction when its Department of Human Settlements tried to demolish structures for a new development.

The CoJ said on Tuesday that the investigation would look into who authorised the sale of the hostel without the knowledge of council and senior officials.

“I have asked the Executive Mayor that we no longer discuss this matter internally with officials. We need to institute a full forensic investigation to determine who within the municipality authorised this deal. I have served as a councillor for nine years, and I have never seen a council resolution approving the transfer of the Diepkloof Hostel land. This suggests the transfer was unauthorised. Some names have been mentioned, but we want a formal investigation to determine exactly who was responsible,” Mabaso said.

Council must approve any transfer of municipal land in Johannesburg, according to the regulations.

Mabaso noted a “troubling detail” in which he said one of the signatories was a manager, not a director.

“I want to know who gave themselves the power to transfer municipal land while residents were still occupying it,” he said, adding that this issue would not halt plans for the hostel’s refurbishment.

Mabaso said he would introduce a contractor to begin the work in July and he has asked CoJ officials to get the court interdict blocking the development lifted.

Mabaso extended condolences to the families of the people who died during the protests.