Human Settlement and JMPD aware of Austin View land invasion
Hundreds of shacks built on city-owned land in Austin View are expected to be demolished and their occupants evicted once the Department of Human Settlement receives an eviction order from the court.
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlement and Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) are both aware of the Austin View land invasion. JMPD is waiting for the green light from Human Settlement to start with evictions once a court order has been granted.
The land invasion, which started in August or October last year, has been a menace to homeowners in the Austin View Ext 1 area. Residents have complained as published in the article Arrest land grabbers or no rates payment – residents [Week ending 16 February], and vowed to take a bold collective decision to stop paying.
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said they are aware of the land invasion. Fihla said a small portion of the land belongs to the city, but the bulk of the land belongs to the provincial government. “The department has engaged with the province on when they will be able to remove those occupiers, and we are waiting for their response. But also keeping in mind the Prevention of Illegal Eviction [PIE] Act 19 of 1998, which stipulates that once a structure has been occupied, a court order is needed to remove or evict them.”
The main aim of the PIE Act is to protect both land occupiers and landowners, provide for the prohibition of unlawful evictions, and provide for procedures for the evictions of unlawful occupiers.
Department of Human Settlement spokesperson Tahir Sema also confirmed that they were aware of the situation.
When asked what plans there are to remove the land grabbers/invaders from the open space, Sema said the department would instruct the state attorney to obtain an eviction order.
“The court order will direct the department to the appropriate remedies. But first, a court application for an eviction must be undertaken.”
Ward 110 councillor Angie Mphaho had not responded to the paper’s enquiry despite WhatsApp messages sent as a reminder by the time of going to print.
Related articles: An increase of illegal land invasion leads to authorities’ operation on Allandale and K101 roads
Rabie Ridge and Austin View land grabbers removed by JMPD officials, return a week later
