Squatter in a residential area, what now?
'This could have a huge affect on the value of the properties in the area.'
Recently the News received various phone calls about an illegal squatter in a residential area in Krugersdorp West.
The News decided to investigate.
According to residents, a man is squatting on the corner of Vorster Street and Naudé Avenue in Krugersdorp West, which is a residential area. The man told the News that he has permission to operate his business there. He sells and buys recyclable material and metals from other retailers.
“I do not live here, I operate my shop here and I travel around,” John Sibiya said.
The News met up with Ward 26 councillor Louis Whitey Moleba to find out if he was aware of the situation. He said the man is not alone and a boy of about five years old has been spotted on the premises too.
“I received various calls from the community. I immediately investigated the problem and took action,” said Louis.
According to John, he applied to have his business registered to be able to run his shop, and that it is not a permanent site as he is trying to obtain money to start operating from his own premises. He stated that he has been operating there since the end of 2014, but he only applied for registration in August 2015. Although the letter from the Corporate and Intellectual Property Commission states that he successfully completed the registration process of his business on 31 January 2014, he does not have proof that his application to operate from the premises was successful.
Louis, being a newly elected ward councillor, is not entirely sure what the law requires regarding illegal squatters. He told the Newsthat he had written a letter to the Town Development Planning Manager, the Building Control Manager and Land Use Control Manager of Mogale City to help John with this problem.
“This is a matter of urgency,” Louis said.
The News called a local attorney for clarity about the legal aspect regarding illegal squatting.
“It is illegal to squat in a residential area and this could have a huge affect on the value of the properties in the area,” said Lynne Greyling.
According to Lynne, the land was registered in a male occupant’s name in 1976. The News is trying to get hold of the owner.
But the question remains, will the councillor be able do something to address the concerns of the residents of this area, or will it get swept under the rug?
The News will keep its readers informed as this story develops.
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