Landowners at Eligedleni are taking legal steps to demolish structures erected on invaded commercial land and halt unauthorised stand sales.

Mataffin Community Trust spokesperson Terry Mdluli says the organisation is working with police, the City of Mbombela by-law enforcement unit and legal counsel to take action against those allegedly selling land.

Mdluli explained that the land was earmarked for commercial development to create jobs and attract investment, rather than residential settlement.

“Those buying stands need to be careful because they will lose their money,” warns Mdluli. “When structures are demolished, they will also lose what they spent on building materials and labour.”

The trust’s legal team is finalising court papers to seek demolition orders, while security guards have been deployed to prevent further construction.

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“We are warning them to leave now and stop building,” says Mdluli. “If they bought stands illegally, we do not know who sold them or what authority that person had.”

West Acres residents express property value concerns

Mdluli says the land invasion is also affecting surrounding West Acres property owners, who fear declining property values and changes to the area’s character.

Meanwhile, residents in Marina and Cussons streets have raised concerns over alleged illegal activities, including shack construction near their properties, tree felling and heavy truck noise.

Residents say they engaged the City of Mbombela and other stakeholders to halt the invasion, but construction continually resumes after brief enforcement periods.

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In some instances, builders stopped erecting structures for about a week before returning to continue construction and tree felling.

City of Mbombela pledges by-law enforcement

City of Mbombela spokesperson Joseph Ngala says the municipality will continue enforcing its by-laws within the confines of the law.

Ngala also raised concerns about the establishment of an informal settlement in an area without the necessary infrastructure and municipal services.

“The municipality wants people to stay in areas where services can be provided,” says Ngala. “The area is undeveloped and people may soon start protesting for services.”