MEC condemns land invasions in Rabie Ridge

Alleged land invaders blocked Republic and Boshoff roads in Rabie Ridge on 12 April after being prevented from building shacks on vacant land.

The protesters, most of whom came from neighbouring areas, blocked the roads with burning tyres, bricks and rocks.

Thabiso Mehlape, who was apart of the protest spoke to Midrand Reporter and claimed the land had been vacant for more than 40 years. He added that when they tried to settle on the land, as they were landless and had nowhere else to stay, a man apparently appeared and claimed that the land belonged to him.

The MEC for Human Settlements, Urban Planning and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Lebogang Maile condemned the failed illegal invasion of land. Maile said, “We are faced with a serious challenge of housing backlog in the province, as a result of in-migration and the province’s status of being a place of hope for job-seekers and economic opportunities.”
However, he called on the community to disengage from illegal invasion of land. He added that the Gauteng government has adopted a Rapid Land Response programme intended to give out land parcels for people to build houses for themselves. Through this programme, Gauteng government hopes it will dent significantly the number of people looking for houses.

Chief Superintendent and spokesperson for the Metro police, Wayne Minnaar said if illegal land occupation took place in Johannesburg, an operation would take place to remove any illegal structures within the confines of current legislation.

Gauteng Provincial police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela added that police were present to monitor the current situation but he did not provide comment on the alleged use of rubber bullets and teargas.

Read the full story in this week’s issue of the Midrand Reporter.