SWIFT action by City officials diffused an illegal ‘land claim’ invasion threat at the Meerensee Equestrian Club on Thursday.
This after three men armed with sticks reportedly threatened staff and workers at the stables, ordering them to vacate the premises within 24 hours, failing which they would burn down the stables.
The men alleged the Club was unlawfully occupying ‘traditional land’.
Some members responded quickly and moved horses to other stables.
The matter was viewed extremely seriously and the grooms were terrified, according to one member.
‘These people were not representing the traditional leadership in the area,’ said City of uMhlathuze Communications Manager, Mdu Ncalane.
‘The fact is, this is municipal property and although the Equestrian Club’s lease has expired, they are legally there on a month-to-month basis.
‘Our officials assisted them to open a case of intimidation at the police station and we will continue to monitor the situation in liaison with the ward councillor and induna.’
Security at the Club has meanwhile been upgraded.
