The term of the inquiry into the removal of people from Sanral-owned land in Cape Town has been extended, spokesman Vusi Tshose said on Sunday.

Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu granted a request from inquiry chairman Denzil Potgieter for the inquiry to be extended until September 30, he said in a statement.

“The extension was necessitated by the large volume of written submissions received, and the extensive interest shown by stakeholders, including members of the affected community, to participate in the process,” Tshose said.

On June 2 and 3, about 200 illegally erected shacks were burned and demolished by the high court sheriff and police officials.

The SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral), to whom the road reserve belonged, obtained a court order to remove the people from its land.

When the inquiry has finished its work, it is expected to submit a comprehensive report with recommendations to Sisulu. SAPA