The City of Ekurhuleni explained the ongoing relocation process of the Albert Luthuli informal settlement, near Benoni, East of Johannesburg.
Residents took to social media venting about sudden relocations, over the weekend.
Some shared pictures of their homes demolished.
About 400 shacks were demolished, affecting some 110 families.
The City said in a statement, the area was declared unsuitable for human habitation because it is situated on a wetland.
The City also said the community received a formal notice urging them to move from the site.
In addition, legitimate beneficiaries were notified through ongoing door-to-door engagements.
Alternative accommodation was provided within a 5km radius for legitimate beneficiaries who were originally placed in Albert Luthuli by the City in 2014.
But despite the relocation, the City said shacks increased to 2 000.
The City said the area houses illegal miners, 6 were arrested over the weekend, amounting to 116, busted in that area.
Picture: Supplied