Locals duped into buying municipal land earmarked for development
Residents from Seshego had allegedly bought the land from a businessman in the area who claims the land as his.
POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality issued a notice to residents of Seshego, notifying them that the open field between Nelson Mandela Drive and Pietersburg Street in Seshego, opposite Sasol Madiba Park is municipal-owned property and has been earmarked for the development of a township.
On inspection, Review found a nearby resident on the piece of land who said a meeting was held on 27 October where individuals sold stakes of the land at stands of R500 a piece.
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The man told Review that the stands had already been meted off for whoever had enough to purchase it on the spot.
“Many residents jumped at the opportunity, but they were obviously not aware that it is municipal land,” according to the source.
He says that although there is a board citing the municipality as the owner, residents were simply ill-informed.
“They assumed that it means the municipality will offer them basic services including water and electricity.”
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According to Municipal Spokesperson Thipa Selala, they know who the culprits are who sold the stands off as they own.
“There is, however, no official indication of how many people paid for these stands.”
The municipality is currently not offering stands in any area in Seshego, he said.
“The last allocation was made in Seshego between Seshego H and E.”
He concludes that the development on that particular piece of land will begin once the plans have been approved.
Residents can report similar matters to the SAPS or the municipality’s Anti-Fraud Hotline at 0800 205 053.
Ownership of stands that are sold can also be verified at the Property Management office at Civic Centre, 2nd floor west wing.
