TZANEEN – An attempt last week to evict a group of illegal occupiers from the former Sapekoe Tea Estate ended with the police, a security company and the sheriff withdrawing after the group interfered with the operation.

This follows after the Mamphoku Makgoba Community Trust (MMCT), the lawful owner of the farm Middelkop 552 LT (Sapekoe), was granted a high court eviction order on May 22, following a series of eviction notices dating back to November 2023.

MMCT said in a statement that the sheriff of Tzaneen served the order on June 17, granting ten occupiers 30 days and the remainder 90 days to vacate the farm.

Speaking on behalf of MMCT, TJ Malatji said that despite these clear instructions, most occupiers chose to remain unlawfully on the property.

He said that the majority of those residing at Sapekoe are not beneficiaries of the MMCT.

“The group has been linked to repeated acts of contempt of court. Their self-appointed leader, who has already been imprisoned, is accused of orchestrating the unlawful occupation and interfering with the trust’s operations for years,” he said.

“The MMCT believes these actions have been bolstered by political connections, which have enabled the occupiers to evade accountability,” said Malatji.

On September 17, the MMCT and its operating companies, Makgoba Asset Management Company (MAM) and Makgoba Dieplaagte, decided to move forward with the formal eviction and demolition of illegal structures.

The process commenced on September 18, with the assistance of the sheriff, a private security company, and members of the police in Tzaneen.

The eviction, however, was disrupted when illegal occupiers interfered with operations. This led to the withdrawal of the sheriff, police, and security personnel from the scene.

“The MMCT has since expressed disappointment in the SAPS, pointing to a lack of adequate support. The trust is now considering contempt proceedings against certain SAPS members,” Malatji stated.

Malatji said that the continued unlawful occupation is robbing the community of vital opportunities. Sapekoe, once developed, is expected to create much-needed jobs.

“The illegal occupation of Sapekoe has gone too far. We cannot allow criminal elements to hold back progress that rightfully belongs to our beneficiaries and the wider community. The trust remains committed to using every judicial avenue available to stabilise Sapekoe and unlock its full potential for development.”

The Herald has reached out to the police and the sheriff for comment. Their comments will be published once received.