UPDATE: Land invasions spread like wildfire on the North Coast

Land invasions are spiraling out of control on the North Coast with hundreds of shacks erected between Etete and Sheffield in the last month.

Umhlali SAPS spokesperson captain Vinny Pillay said more than 70 illegal homes had recently been built on privately owned farmland in Etete, a township just outside Shakaskraal, while shacks that were demolished in Sheffield, Ballito last week, were re-erected a few hours later.

“This has been happening from last year where people started selling land in Etete. Shacks were being built and plots were being marked opposite the railway line in the area.

“The problem was that there are over 20 different people who own the farmland and it is difficult to follow the court process because of this.”

Pillay said the only solution was for the police, on behalf of the state, to open a case of trespassing against people accused of selling land and those who occupied it.

“In July, we arrested 17 people. Their shacks were also demolished at the time but people have taken over parts of the land again since December. Now a small community has been formed. We worry that it will spread to Tinley Manor soon.”

VIDEO: “The Zulus own this land” – Sheffield land invader

SAPS are investigating a link between the Etete and Sheffield land invasions as they are suspected to have been fuelled by the same ringleaders.

Meanwhile, in Sheffield, more than 80 people were removed from municipal-owned land opposite Sheffield Manor where about 50 shacks were built.

When the Courier visited the area three days after the demolishment carried out by KwaDukuza municipality, some shacks had already been rebuilt while a few people slept in tents. While there were not as many people as before, those who remained vowed that they would not leave. One of the men, who did not want to be named, asked why they should move.

“As long as the municipality does not know us by name, they cannot give us letters to leave. Who are these letters for? They cannot be for invaders because that is not us, we need a home and we are not asking them for anything.”

Also read: Land invaders strike again – Etete

Although KDM media liaison Sipho Mkhize said ringleaders were selling land in Sheffield for R300-R600 in Sheffield, some invaders denied buying land.

“We will not be fooled by the government, we want land that is owed to us and this land belongs to the chief. If they sue us then we will sue them back.”

Mkhize said the municipality would not back down.

“This is not a new problem and we know what we are doing here. We will continue to demolish until the message is loud and clear. We are looking into security measures at the moment.”

Mkhize said that a feasibility study is currently being carried out on their land which they plan to use for a low-income housing project.

DA Salt Rock councillor Malcolm Hubner said he met with developers from surrounding estates last week.

“Everyone seems at ease with the way the situation is being handled and it is important that we communicate at this stage. The developers are happy with the idea of a low-income housing development and I am in the process of setting up a meeting between them and KDM next week.”

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