Land invaders face wrath of law!

LAND invasion is becoming a growing problem and a serious issue in Joburg.

The demolition of structures couldn’t stop Lehae land invaders, who started rebuilding their houses after facing the wrath of the law.

This comes after Joburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers, together with the Red Ants, conducted an illegal land invasion operation in Lehae Phase 2, where illegal structures were erected.

On Thursday, 28 March 2024, the SunTeam saw approximately 500 community members who converged at an open land earmarked for RDP houses.

JMPD spokesman Superintendent Xolani Fihla told Daily Sun approximately, 36 unoccupied houses, 25 foundation structures and demarcations were demolished and removed.

When the SunTeam arrived at the scene during the demolishing operation, residents said 90% of the people who have built and erected walls around their houses are not from Lehae but rather people from neighbouring kasis such as Soweto and Orange Farm.

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Meanwhile, in an effort to prevent illegal land occupation, the City of Joburg and the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements told Daily Sun they are demolishing structures illegally erected on pockets of land owned by both spheres of government in Allendale, south of Joburg.

“In 2017, the city obtained a court interdict, prohibiting unauthorised persons from settling on this land without permission,” they said.

They added that despite numerous engagements, invaders ignored the interdict and continued to build structures.

“Several eviction attempts were stopped mid-stream because different groups approached the courts at different times in their failed attempts to delay and rescind this action. Both spheres of government stand ready to immediately approach the relevant court in the event of any challenge to this action. The government won't hesitate to evict those who invade land and property.

“Communities are encouraged to report illegal occupation of land and houses to local law enforcement authorities. These unlawful acts delay much-needed development and the provision of services meant for communities."