Department takes action against illegal land looting along the R71
"The farm Kalkfontein 1001 LS known as Mamahule is state land that is not for sale and was not allocated to any individual to sell, and as a result there is no approval from the municipality for the establishment of such a settlement."
POLOKWANE – Bonus recently reported on the issue of road blockages and protests on land, situated on the R71 next to Dalmada en route to Ga-Mothiba.
Avashoni Magada, Spokesperson for the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform in Limpopo in a press release said the department has taken note of the continuous disturbing spate of fraudulent and illegal demarcations, allocations and occupation of the farm Kalkfontein 1001 LS known as ‘Mamahule’.
Read more: [WATCH] Community protests cause blockage on the R71 between Dalmada and Nobody
Magada said the department condemns the fraudulent and illegal demarcations and subsequent sale of pieces of land as “residential stands” as this has been declared an unlawful occupation by the Constitutional Court. It has a negative impact on the pending restitution process relating to the property to its claimants and beneficiaries.
Magada said the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform consulted with various departments as well as the Polokwane Municipality to address the matter.
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“All legal avenues are being explored to ensure that the fraudulent and illegal demarcations, allocations and occupations are resolved lawfully and the restitution process to the rightful claimants and beneficiaries continues without disturbance. “We are appealing to our citizens to exercise caution and verify with Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs or the Polokwane Municipality whenever they are about to make a purchase of land or a stand from any individual claiming to be selling such.”
He said people masquerading as legitimate landowners are deliberately exploiting the genuine need for access to land for housing by citizens.
Magada said: “The farm Kalkfontein 1001 LS known as Mamahule is state land that is not for sale and was not allocated to any individual to sell, and as a result there is no approval from the municipality for the establishment of such a settlement.” Land is being sold for between R5 000 to R100 000.
These illegal acts caused a volatile situation and protests the last couple of months, and vehicle being burnt on the R71. Magada said law enforcement agencies have been deployed to deal with and avert the situation.
The chief directorate of the department in Pretoria also reiterated that the recent Constitutional Court judgment has declared the occupation and demarcation of sites illegal, and any building of houses as unlawful, and this poses a big risk for the loss of property to all affected people.
The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform appeals to all affected private landowners who holds title deeds to their land in the area and people who have built houses and have been sold stands in the area, to also come forward and provide their details and full particulars.
The parties affected are requested to bring along copies of their title deeds, proof of purchase, and /or any other document that was provided as proof of purchase, that may serve to establish how and why they are in occupation of the said piece of land to the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform from 15 to 26 April at Zororo Lodge at Dalmada in Polokwane, from 08:00 to 16:00.
The department will soon set-up a consultation meeting with all the affected claimants and the rightful beneficiaries of Kalkfontein 1001 LS farm who are entitled to restitution in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights act 1994 in order to expedite the finalisation of their land claim.
Magada said illegal land invasions or any disrespect for the rule of law will not be tolerated.
“Anyone who encourages people to invade land is breaking the law and hurting the people they claim to fight for.”
He said the department is committed to uphold the rule of law and all government action is guided by the rule of law.
“We remain committed to resolve that matter amicably and for the benefit of all affected parties. We will put South Africa first and work in partnership with all who want to build a better life for the people of our country,” Magada said.
