Land invaders strike again – Etete

An Etete family is living in fear after a crowd of land invaders threatened to burn down their homes in an attempt to snatch family-owned property at the weekend.

More than a month after about 1200 people invaded privately-owned land from Etete to Tinley Manor, about 20 people returned to a 37-acre family owned property last Saturday and cordoned off sections to build houses.

One of the landowners, who asked not to be named, said his family had been threatened when they attempted to reason with the invaders who were armed with sticks and bush knives.

The 88-year-old man who has lived in the area since birth, said the land had been in his family for more than three generations.

“We pay rates and we have the papers to prove we are the rightful owners of the land.

“The last time this happened it was clear that people came from all over Durban. This time we know it is locals who are now claiming a piece of the action.”

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

The man laid the blame for the land invasion at the door of KwaDukuza municipality. His family had sold a portion of land to KDM in 2010 to be used for low income housing.

“From 2010 until now, only about 10 homes have been built. Out of desperation, people are taking matters into their own hands and owners like us have to live in fear.”

In May people from as far away as Empangeni and Durban said they had bought land in Tinley Manor for R50 a plot from local traditional leaders.

In an attempt to calm the situation, KwaDukuza municipal officials and traditional leaders met with landowners.

It was agreed that traditional leaders would submit a legal land claim and community members would be educated on proper procedures of land claims through community meetings led by KDM.

However, when asked about the meetings, KwaDukuza council speaker Phumlile Zulu told the Courier they were unable to get all the parties together. She added that invasions of privately owned land should be dealt with by the police.

Also read: Etete and Tinley Manor land grabs, fuelled by ‘faceless’ committee

“The land invasion that took place on Saturday was brought to our attention but KDM has nothing to do with that kind of land. We obviously maintain the issue of land invasion as a criminal offence so law enforcement must step in. In the long run the same people will request assistance for services and we will not provide because they did not follow procedure.”

Zulu said it was the landowner’s responsibility to deal with the offenders.

“If someone steals your clothes from the line, you would go to the police and report it. The same applies here. Previously, people were instigated by the land committee. This time if it is the local people, they should know the procedures because they are part of the community.”

Umhlali SAPS spokesperson captain Vinny Pillay said public order police had been sent to disperse the crowd on Monday morning.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and things seem to be quiet for now. We can confirm that these invaders are local.”

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