An alleged land-grab outside Dundee on Dumain farm has caused unease among neighbouring farmers and those who run businesses in the area.

The controversy, which has bubbled over since a man started ‘selling off’ plots of land to squatters who have moved in, has caught the attention of the Endumeni Municipality.

It is alleged that the man has no right to sell off the plots as the farm is in the name of Vusi Nene whom inherited the land from his grandfather.

Police have been reluctant to take action as they saw Mr Nene has, up until now, not proved he is the title deed holder.

However, he says he has proof that the land is indeed in his name.

Yet the squatters continue to move in after paying for their land.

Shacks have been put up and people move in almost every week say neighbours who preferred not to be named.

The situation has caused a strain in relations and on infrastructure.  Theft has also rocketed, Agri Echo was told.

Endumeni Council Speaker, Siduduzo Mdluli, said he is aware of the problem.

“The thing is the man accused of selling off the plots claims who owns a portion of the farm.  We have yet to confirm that.  But we cannot have a situation where families simply move in without access of any water, sanitation, power etc.”

The Council is to investigate the matter further, he said.

Residents in the area are also concerned that a house in the area, near the rural horse riding track, is used for prostitution and has brought social problems to the area.

Up until police have not responded to these concerns, they say.