The City of Johannesburg is concerned by the growing incidence of illegal land occupation happening across the metro, especially during the lockdown.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) warns law offenders that harsh actions will be taken against them. This is after the JMPD conducted a number of operations where illegal structures were removed between June 15 and 21.
According to Wayne Minnaar, JMPD spokesperson, these incidents have increased apparently because of the lockdown regulations.
“Some individuals have taken advantage of the declaration that there would be no evictions during lockdown. This then encourages people to grab and inhabit land unlawfully. These unlawful acts are apparently gaining popularity with the relaxation of the lockdown regulations,” he said.
Minnaar said they have observed that there are individuals who illegally buy land and proceed to erect structures without council’s approval.
“We have noticed a growing and worrying trend of impostors selling land that does not belong to them for a price ranging from R1 000 to R3 500. This criminal behaviour from both those who are illegally selling and those buying land is unacceptable.”
He reiterated that some of the space being occupied has been kept for future development. He also said that these offenders will be brought to book.
“This will include effecting arrests, demolishing the illegal structures as soon as they are built and confiscating the material used to erect these structures. These illegal land occupations hamper growth and development in the City,” said Minnaar.
The JMPD will continue to intensify its efforts in ensuring that this conduct of illegally occupying land in the City is curbed.
