Rabie Ridge and Austin View land grabbers removed by JMPD officials, return a week later

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla says they are aware of continuous attempts by illegal land grabbers trying to invade open land in Rabie Ridge.

November 1, 2023

Sphiwe Masilela 1 minute read

JMPD officials after the removal of materials used to construct illegal structures in Rabie Ridge. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Despite authorities removing illegal land invaders in Rabie Ridge a week ago; they have since returned.

Various authorities, including the SAPS, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Red Ants, and Gauteng Wardens demolished some of the unlawfully constructed structures on October 12.

The plastic and zinc structures and shacks have been mushrooming in Rabie Ridge in the areas of Austin View and President Park between the Dane and Modderfontein roads, as well as Rietduiker and Modderfontein.

Big boards and iron zinc loaded at the back of the truck. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

However, as it stands the situation seems to be far from over as the land dwellers have returned to construct small plastic shacks. The paper noticed more activity with additional structures cropping up on October 21.

Hundreds of people used the opportunity to illegally erect structures in a clear display of ignoring the law.

BMW cars belonging to Gauteng traffic wardens. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla has confirmed that officials together with other service providers conducted an illegal land invasion operation in Rabie Ridge, Midrand where a total of 617 unoccupied structures were demolished and removed.
He said on October 16, a similar operation was conducted and a total of 890 unoccupied structures were demolished and removed again. “The JMPD is aware that there are constant attempts to build illegal structures there and in our efforts to counter this illegal activity officers have been tasked to monitor the area, and frequent operations have been conducted to remove half-built and unoccupied illegal structures.

Alleged illegal land grabbers seen pulling a big board used to construct a shack. Photo: Supplied

Ward 110 councillor Angie Mphaho said illegal land grabs are a challenge in her ward but they were working on resolving the matter with relevant authorities and landowners.
“These structures have been rebuilt, indicating the challenges in maintaining order in the area. The persistence of this issue serves as a reminder of the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the use of open spaces,” said Mphaho.

Big boards loaded at the back of the truck after being demolished by JMPD, SAPS and Red Ants officials. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Ward 110 has been plagued with various land grabbers, some situated in Pretoria Main and Allandale roads which were recently visited by Mphaho together with provincial police commissioner General Elias Mawela, deputy provincial Major General Tommy Mthombeni and the Midrand SAPS station commander, Molefi David Tsotsotso.