eNkomeni Village evictions questioned
Sasol stated that amongst reasons placed before the court, the SCPA and Sasol Mining obtained a court interdict in December last year that the area is unstable and prone to cracking due to past and current mining operations.
EVANDER – Land ownership disputes continued at eNkomeni Village after unlawful land occupiers were evicted by a Sasol appointed company on Tuesday, 20 August.
The occupiers had built structures on the land owned by the Sakhisizwe Communal Property Association (SCPA) and a registered servitude of Sasol Mining.
The evictees said they do not understand why they were evicted, because they bought the land from members of the SCPA.
Some bought stands for R6 000 and others for R10 000.
They were allegedly not given any notice about the evictions.
Some said they are considering legal steps against Sasol.
More than 342 hectares of land ‘belong’ to 48 beneficiaries who applied for this land in 1998, and acquired the title deeds in 2002.
Sasol said they implemented the evictions to ensure the safety of the community.
Sasol stated that amongst reasons placed before the court, the SCPA and Sasol Mining obtained a court interdict in December last year that the area is unstable and prone to cracking due to past and current mining operations.
“The illegal occupants therefor face serious safety risks,” said Mr Alex Anderson, Head of Group Media Relations.
“In the spirit of openness, transparency and mutual respect, the Secunda Sheriff of the Court engaged with the unlawful Sakhisizwe occupants on multiple occasions and served them with a notice and court order, informing them to move.
“Regrettably the notice and court order were both ignored and the community continued to build more informal houses, leading to forced evictions by the sheriff.
“Sasol always aims to proactively engage stakeholders and to build mutually beneficial relationships.
“The safety and security of Sakhisizwe community members remains a top priority.
“Community members are also advised to refrain from paying any money to individuals to buy stands on Sakhisizwe as this land is unsafe and not for sale,” said Mr Anderson.
Evander Police called on the fraud victims to come forward and submit their statements.
They were requested to come with the proof that they have bought the stands.
Sgt Sibusiso Mbuli, police communication officer, said several cases have already been opened.
https://www.facebook.com/echoridgenewspapers/videos/454177905171049/
