Metro files charges against land invaders
MMC Themba Fosi says land was allegedly illegally sold for about R5000.
Tshwane has opened criminal cases against individuals it has accused of being involved in the illegal invasion near Sunderland Ridge and Erasmia.
This after an inspection the metro carried out on March 19 discovered that stands were being illegally sold.
Utility services and regional operations MMC Themba Fosi said that Tuesday’s inspection revealed that the rate of land grabs had reached unprecedented levels.
“[On Wednesday, |March 20], we took decisive action by lodging a criminal case at the Erasmia police station against individuals in the illegal invasion of land,” he said.
Stands in the area were allegedly being illegally sold for about R5 000.
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Fosi said the individuals selling the land were doing so at the expense of the city and communities in the area.
“Rampant land invasion not only poses a threat to neighbouring businesses and law-abiding residents, but also strains the city’s infrastructure, including water and electricity systems, as illegal occupants tap into these essential services.”
He said the metro is committed to ensuring that those responsible for the illegal acts were held accountable.
“We welcome any arrest that may be made in connection with this matter.”
The metro also filed a criminal case against a councillor candidate who was allegedly involved in the illicit sale of land.
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“In addition to pursuing legal action against the land invaders, we have also filed a criminal case against the Republican Conference of Tshwane (RCT) councillor candidate allegedly involved in the illicit sale of land at the aforementioned value.”
Fosi said the metro would be reaching out to councillor Lex Middelberg, the leader of the RCT, to ensure that those responsible for the unauthorised sale of municipal and provincial land are brought to justice.
Rekord contacted Middelberg but had not received his comment at the time of publishing.
“The impacts of these criminal activities on our city cannot be overstated,” said Fosi.
“Ratepaying communities bear the brunt of such actions, as illegal land invaders exploit the city’s infrastructure, ultimately impeding service delivery.
“Somebody has to pay it, and that person is you, the resident.
“I call on all residents, community policing forums, all spheres of the security industry, to take back our city,” he said.
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