Land invaders set up illegal stands in Mashishing, based on promises
Steelburger/Lydenburg News also indicated that these stands and land claims were marked out directly below live Eskom power lines.
LYDENBURG – Thaba Chweu Municipality recently issued a press release regarding the illegal land invasion in and around Mashishing.
The newspaper recently reported that several stands that had been marked out by people claiming that a man, known only as Nkosi, had been selling these illegal stands on what were said to be called Marikana and New Stand in Kellysville. Invaders of the said land didn’t want to be identified, but did speak to the newspaper regarding the occupation of the land and told journalists that they had been promised houses, water, electricity and sanitation.
Steelburger/Lydenburg News also indicated that these stands and land claims were marked out directly below live Eskom power lines.
People who build houses or dwellings directly under power lines are not only breaking the law, but are putting themselves, their families and their possessions at serious risk, as these lines are not insulated and carry power of a very high voltage.
Should a power line drop onto a roof, it becomes live as most of these shacks are covered with corrugated iron.
According to Eskom, the risk of being injured is increased if power lines or conductors are damaged or their condition has deteriorated over time. There are also other possible disasters that could occur such as veld fires or lightning strikes which could cause the lines to drop.
TCLM said in response to these illegal land claims that council was aware of the ongoing land invasion in Mashishing and other areas. “Our preliminary investigation had revealed that the invaders were not local people with urgent housing needs. We suspect the motive might be that people flock to Mashishing looking for jobs. TCLM has opened a case with the SAPS of illegal occupation of council land.”
It was said that council was engaging with the leaders of the invaders. “Currently there are an estimated 5 000 shacks. Because of this invasion council is unable to service this area without proper planning. Community members are discouraged from paying any money as this land belongs to council not any leader, and we strongly condemn this invasion and call upon people who are involved to desist from this illegal activity.”
The municipality confirmed that no permission had been granted for any stands to be occupied currently as they had not been proclaimed as habitable.
Efforts by the newspaper to get in touch with Nkosi have been fruitless as none of the illegal land occupiers had or were willing to provide his cellphone number.
