Urgent talks attempting to settle the illegal occupation of land belonging to the exclusive Palm Lakes residential estate are being held this morning.

Chaos broke out in Etete and Tinley Manor over the weekend when thousands of illegal invaders descended in an attempt to claim land which they said rightfully belonged to them.

More than 1 200 people travelled from as far as Eshowe, burned grass and partitioned sections of land extending from Etete toward the pristine Palm Lakes Estate in Tinley Manor.

They claimed to have bought the plots from local traditional leaders for R50.

Also read: Land invaders build shacks on private land in Etete

Mayor Mthembu, who is also ANC chairperson for the Greater KwaDukuza region, said KDM stood firmly against this criminal behaviour.

“Our position is very clear, we are against the opportunists who are trying to abuse our position on land expropriation.

“This is not expropriation, this is an invasion and it is illegal.

Umhlali SAPS spokesperson Captain Vinny Pillay said police fear the invaders may very soon make their way to Ballito.

This was because the traditional leaders who addressed the crowd last Saturday claimed land from Etete to Zimbali rightfully belonged to them before it was forcefully taken during apartheid.

“At this point, we are not sure if this is politically motivated but we do know that it is out of control,” he said.

On Monday, traditional leaders and the KwaDukuza council speaker met to discuss a way forward.

A second meeting was attended by more than 1000 people at Etete last night and further meetings are scheduled for this afternoon.

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