DA urges accountability over illegal land occupation
The DA in Polokwane calls on the ANC’s Peter Mokaba region to act after videos showing members urging illegal land grabs near Seshego emerge online.
POLOKWANE – While commending Polokwane Mayor John Mpe for taking action against the illegal occupation of private land near Seshego, the DA in the city has called on the ANC’s Peter Mokaba region to account for individuals who apparently encourage the occupation – some of whom were seen in ANC regalia in viral videos.
The DA’s concerns follow the circulation of footage showing people dressed in ANC clothing publicly urging residents to occupy land, despite Mpe, who is both the regional ANC chairperson and the mayor, having discouraged such actions.
The party said this apparent contradiction raises questions about political accountability.
At a media briefing on Thursday, Mpe clarified that the municipality had acted on behalf of the private landowners in enforcing a court order to dismantle the illegal structures.
The operation, however, turned violent when residents began throwing stones at the municipal vehicles and a security officer reportedly fired shots at a 63-year-old man.
In the midst of the eviction process, a counter court order was issued, compelling the municipality to immediately halt all removal activities.
The DA’s Polokwane leader, Jacques Joubert welcomed the initial enforcement action, stating that land grabs are illegal regardless of political affiliation.
He also commended Mpe for showing leadership in condemning all illegal occupations across the municipality.
Nevertheless, the DA pointed out that those encouraging the land occupation appear to be politically aligned with the mayor, creating what they describe as a contradictory stance within the ANC.
In response, ANC spokesperson in the Peter Mokaba region Adolph Rapetswa said they expected the law to take its course against their members found to contravene the law and would only afterwards, use the step-aside policy against them to maintain party discipline.
“Otherwise, we do not encourage land grabs. The ANC was elected and its members are subjected to the rule of law and are not one unto themselves,” Rapetswa remarked.
