The owners of the Umgenyana farm in Plaston are still struggling after 50 years to fight off land grabbers who illegally claim land on their property.

The landowners, Hannetjie Kruger and Pieter Verster, are fed up after trying several times to file a case of trespassing with the White River and KaBokweni magistrates’ courts.

Both courts argue that the land does not fall under their jurisdiction and they, therefore, cannot assist with the case.

ALSO READ: Tempers flare at attempted land invasion

Kruger, who has been living on the farm for 54 years, shared her concerns about the invasions.

“The intruders visit our property weekly and are building a wooden house under the Eskom power lines, which is in itself illegal.”

She further explained that they are not only taking land, but they are also using it for illegal dumping, which pollutes the farm.

The alleged instigator behind this is Eddy Mnisi, known for arranging groups to take over plots. He also tried to take over parts of Hennie Mentz’s Montebello Farm three months ago and left shortly after FF Plus’s Cllr Ken Robertson jumped in to help when the SAPS was reluctant to issue a warrant of arrest.

Mentz is the same landowner whose farm was under attack in 2018 when hundreds of Tekwane residents illegally tried to take over his land.

The Umgenyana landowners have had issues in the past with another group of intruders, under Goodman Twala’s leadership, who claimed that some of their land supposedly belonged to his ancestors.

This, however, proved untrue and the family managed to obtain a protection order against Twala and his followers.

ALSO READ: Land invasions raised at traditional leaders’ sitting

Parts of the farm have been sold to other owners who are also troubled. One landowner who wishes to remain anonymous shared her concerns.

“I’m not sure what to do now, as I’m afraid they won’t leave and I might be in danger.”

Robertson shared his insights on the ongoing matter in the area.

“Private land in Plaston has long been targeted for illegal land grabs and I feel that the SAPS is not clear on what they regard as trespassing and when they can or cannot act on cases lodged for it. Too many people have had to obtain court interdicts before the SAPS will evict illegal land invaders, after the early stages of the invasions were reported and often ignored.”

ALSO READ: Illegal land invasions delay progress, says TCLM

The FF Plus urges all landowners to familiarise themselves with the legal procedures around land invasions in case the issue arises for them in the future.