Land invaders will be prosecuted – mayor
"Some of the structures were still incomplete, some were shacks and others were brick structures."
The Tshwane metro’s newly launched anti-land invasion task team has demolished about 84 illegal structures in only two weeks across the city.
These locations include areas such as Mabopane, Soshanguve, Nellmapius ext 2 and Gomorrah in Pretoria West.
Tshwane mayor Randall Williams said earlier this week that the city received more notifications of land invasions in Soshanguve and Mabopane.
“Our teams were once again dispatched to demolish the illegal structures making it a total of 30 illegal structures that had to be removed by the City in just two weeks.”
He said in addition to these operations, on Wednesday our teams demolished 54 illegal structures in Gomorrah, west of Pretoria, taking the total to 84.
Williams said last week their teams received notifications from community members and local councillors that there were groups of people invading land and illegally putting up structures in Nellmapius ext 2 and Kudube.
“The metro verified the information and sent our teams to demolish the illegal structures at both locations.”
Williams said some of the structures were still incomplete, “some were shacks and others were brick structures”.
A resident of Soshanguve block BB, Thabo Ngobese, said the township has long had a problem with land invasions.
“Maybe this task team can help us to finally solve it,” said Ngobese.
“We have been struggling with people just coming and erecting shacks wherever they want. No one has been taking responsibility for this despite our cries.
“The next thing is they close down roads demanding water and electricity. In some instances, land invaders would even demand that houses be built for them. I really wish the task team does its work and finally solve this.”
Williams thanked community members and councillors on the ground for notifying law enforcement authorities when they suspect illegal land invasions.
“The City is committed to protecting property rights and will maintain a zero-tolerance approach to land invasions in Tshwane.”
He sent a warning to those that encourage land invasions or promote shack farming.
“Shack farming occurs when criminals seek to erect several shacks on illegally occupied land to sell them or rent out these structures.
“You will be prosecuted, and the City will move to demolish these structures.
“It is also worth noting that it is illegal to sell low-cost government houses within the first eight years of occupancy.
“Renting out the property is also illegal as a person may not vacate a government-provided house for profit.”
To report land invasions, contact the TMPD 24-hour line on 012 358 7095/6.
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