Eviction sparks police investigation

Police are investigating an alleged forced eviction at Lovu Seaside, Lautoka, yesterday.

Divisional Police Commander West, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa, confirmed receiving a com­plaint from a tenant, Sofia Far­zana, who claimed her landlord forced her to vacate her home.

"Police have received a report on this matter," SSP Vaisewa said.

Ms Farzana, a mother of two, shared a video on social media showing individuals, believed to be landowners, uprooting pe­rimeter fencing and plants on her property while demanding her eviction.

A man in the video alleged that Ms Farzana and her family sold the land without the landowner's consent.

He reportedly demanded proof of a lease title bearing her name. Ms Farzana claimed her grandmother bought the land in 1998 and transferred the title to her prior to her death recently.

"I was born here. I was brought up by my grandmother. She bought this land and built this house. She has transferred this property under my name," she claimed.

She further alleged the landowners demanded $15,000 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 said.

SSP Vaisewa confirmed inves­tigations are ongoing.

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