Police chase trespassers off farm
Those who were ordered to leave the private property were evidently carrying spades and said they were there to dig up a pipeline on the farm
A group of people were chased off a farm on the R103 Harrismith Road by police early this morning (Monday).
Those who were ordered to leave the private property were evidently carrying spades and said they were there to dig up a pipeline on the farm.
Police and K9 Unit officers dispersed the crowd and are trying to ascertain why they were there and who instructed them to do the digging.
This story will be updated as soon as information is available.
Update:
Between 1000 and 1500 people started to dig up a pipeline from Windsor Dam on Sunday night.
A member of the public spotted the group of people digging near the dam and reported matter to local farm security company Secure SA (SSA).
SSA contacted the police, who went to investigate.
Outnumbered 100 to one , K9 Unit and Ladysmith Community Service Centre (CSC) members removed the mob from land belonging to Water Affairs.
Once out the main gate, the mob gathered and were clearly unhappy, as they had spent the night digging up the pipe and wanted the pipe so they could sell it for scrap.
Police reinforcements arrived and got the mob to move off. Last night, they were back in force to try and claim their scrap piping.
Secure SA commended the 10 SAPS members who handled the very volatile situation on Monday morning very professionally.
“I am proud of the officers and glad we have willing SAPS members in Ladysmith to uphold the law,” expressed a delighted Mark Pitout.
Cases have been opened and police are investigating. Allegations that a councillor may have given them permission to dig up the pipe are being investigated. The land belongs to the Department of Water Affairs and any digging on the land needs their permission.
