An eviction order has been obtained against a group of ‘upmarket’ land grabbers in the east of Pretoria today.
The men, who have reportedly been seen driving luxury vehicles including a Mercedes Benz, are believed to have illegally occupied municipal property in Faerie Glen.
The group is said to have erected a building using bricks, with an illegal water connection to the premises, without any permission from the metro.
ALSO READ: VIDEO: East residents foil ‘land grabbers’
On Sunday scuffles broke out when residents confronted them, demanding proof that they were the rightful owners of the land.
The men left with the help of police, but have since returned on at least two occasions.
Ward councillor Ernst Botha said the eviction order would prohibit the group from setting foot on the premises.
“The city had to take the legal route because they kept coming back,” he said.
“If they come back again, they will be arrested for trespassing and further legal action will be taken against them.”
The order was signed by roads and transport group head Pheko Letlonkana and was effective immediately.
Botha said criminal charges will be brought against the men once they have been traced.
He said the country’s political discourse on land gave people the impression that they could occupy any piece of land they pleased.
In a video on social media, the men can be seen arguing with members of the community.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: VIDEO: Stubborn east ‘land-grabbers’ keep coming back
One man can be heard saying: “We are going to take it by force, it is our land,” he said.
And another saying: “I am the legitimate owner.”
Botha said the eviction order would send a strong message to criminals who think that they can illegally occupy land.
Tshwane spokesperson Sam Mgobozi confirmed on Wednesday that the eviction order had been obtained.
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