Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba says the statement made by the COO of the Red Ants is that he knew about demolitions in Alexandra are not only lies but are criminal.

Media reports suggest that the Red Ants’ Fuzile Balintulo says Mashaba knew and was involved in the forced demolitions that took place in Alexandra last month.

Last month, over a hundred people lost their homes when the Red Ants and JMPD demolished homes in the Marlboro informal settlement – causing unrest and protest action.

Mashaba had previously said he did not know about the demolitions and wanted those behind them to be held accountable.