Land invasions on the increase
The Nkomazi Local Municipality has expressed concern over the increase of people illegally invading land belonging to tribal authorities.
MZINTI – The Nkomazi Local Municipality has expressed concern over the increase of people illegally invading land belonging to tribal authorities.
This follows reports of violence on August 12 when a fight broke out among locals. According to eyewitnesses, an elderly man was seriously injured by a mob that intended to invade the land. This despite a standing court order issued against the occupying of land.
According to the municipal spokesman, Mr Cyril Ripinga, the increase of illegal land invasions is alarming as it will result in service-delivery protests.
“The municipality is extremely concerned. We witness more and more land invasions especially land belonging to the Matsamo tribal authority. The problem is that soon we might have people protesting, demanding services, while that new area is not the municipality’s responsibility,” Ripinga said.
There were no arrests made and police are investigating a number of assault cases.
Meanwhile in Buffelspruit the issuing of land has been stopped since an empty coffin with the names of tribal officials was found by community members and tribal leaders.
Allegations of illegal land invasions and illegal sales taking place are also widespread.
