‘Put a stop to illegal squatting’

Johan Nell, a local CPF chairperson, raised an early alarm to all property and homeowners to work with the police and Disaster Management teams to help control the spread of illegal squatting on private property.

“This year we already have seen a problem arising on private land near Video Centre (informal settlement) and we are concerned that if left unabated, the situation easily could get out of control. We also are concerned that there are some valid concerns around the soil quality in that area, which makes it highly unsuitable for any type of housing development – legal or illegal,” Nell said.

He said property owners need to take a stand and lodge a criminal charge against the squatters so the relevant authorities can do something about it.

“We know the problem can escalate so easily, as witnessed in the Ruimsig informal settlement where the residents have fought an uphill battle.”

Nell further stated that illegal squatting brings with it a plethora of other problems such as reduced property prices, an increase in noise – particularly relating to shebeens, which are already an issue in the area – and a potential increase in crime.

“We encourage all land owners to stand together so we can address this growing problem,” Nell concluded.

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