Authorities remain mum while city land is invaded in Austin View

While shacks continue to mount in open land in Austin View, which belongs to the city, it remains mum in addressing the invasion. Despite numerous attempts to get an official comment from the city, or Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), there has been no response from either.

In the article, Evicted Austin View land invaders back again, [week ending July 11], we reported that the shacks, made of cardboard and plastic, scattered along the bushy land, were spotted on June 30.

Last year, between March and April, JMPD, together with the Department of Human Settlements, the red ants, and private security companies, carried out a massive eviction to remove the invaders that had taken over the same land, but the determined invaders, who seem to like the location and want to settle there, are back at it again.

Also read: MMC for Development Planning conducts Glen Austin oversight inspection

Thousands of shacks have been built, leaving more questions than answers about whether there will be another eviction.

The paper contacted the city’s Human Settlement Department and the JMPD on July 8, regarding plans to secure the land and deal with the further invasion. They were also asked when development of whatever the land is actually earmarked for will commence, so as to avoid the back-and-forth of invading and evictions.

Despite numerous reminders to respond to these questions and others, we received no response at the time of publishing.

Also read: Evicted Austin View land invaders back again

Facebook comments:

Sipho Mashale: Government must act.
Marcus Cholo: The police must not allow people to stay there for a long time.
Mbongeni Mlaga Ndlovu: JMPD isn’t serious about removing them.
Tigere Zindoga: Who owns that area blames politicians who are after that land using innocent voters.

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