Tensions are running high after Sanral evicted residents from private land in Nomzamo, Strand.

CAPE TOWN - Tensions are running high in Nomzamo in Strand outside Cape Town, as residents who were evicted from a piece of private land in the area yesterday, are blocking roads in anticipation of further evictions.

Police threw teargas in a bid to try and remove the illegal occupants.

The battle lines were drawn as residents used anything possible to block off the entrances to the area.

The Sheriff of the Court returned to dismantle the shacks.

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) said squatters were timeously informed they needed to vacate the land.

The agency's Vusi Mona said the land's been earmarked for a project.

"That property was declared a national road and we wanted to include it in a re-routing of the N2. In January we saw property [structures] being unlawfully erected."

ANC BLAMES DA FOR NOMZAMO EVICTION

The ANC in the Western Cape claimed the residents who were evicted were punished for not voting for the Democratic Alliance (DA).

But the DA-led City of Cape Town distanced itself from Monday's evictions, and said it's the responsibility of the Sanral.

The ANC's Zizi Kodwa claimed the city should be taking more responsibility, by giving services.

"We think that the people of Lwandle; the actions of the eviction and the dereliction of duties by the City of Cape Town is a form of punishment for not voting for the DA."

The party confirmed both the human settlements and transport ministers are expected to visit Nomzamo later today.

Meanwhile the Social Justice Coalition (SJC), along with several other local organisations, picketed outside Western Cape Premier Helen Zille's home on Monday night, accusing her of failing to help the affected informal settlers.