City land invasion becomes a ‘free for all’

IN AN ACT of defiance, about 30 shanties have been erected despite an interdict that has been obtained against the invasion of land in Thutlo and Moheta streets in Galeshewe.

Residents indicated that they were forging ahead with great speed and would continue building until the land was filled to capacity.

“It is free for all. Everyone is welcome to come and claim a plot. There are no fees, no pre-approval necessary. You do not have to live in the area to qualify for an erf. We don’t care about there being no water or electricity, as long as we have somewhere to sleep. Many of us have already moved in.”

The shack dwellers acknowledged receipt of the pending interdict and added that even if their homes were demolished, they would rebuild them immediately.

“By the time the interdict comes into effect, it will be too late as we will all refuse to move out. If the municipality finds alternative land in the future we will relocate, but for now this is our temporary home.”

Last week Sol Plaatje Municipality arrived with removal trucks and security to tear down about 10 shacks that had been built, where residents indicated that there were over 100 people who are desperate for homes.

The municipality yesterday approached the Northern Cape High Court to apply for an urgent interdict to prevent unlawful occupants of the land from enticing, influencing members invading, occupying, or erecting any more structures on the property, without written consent from the municipality.

Should residents contravene the court order, the municipality will order the eviction of any unlawful occupant by the sheriff of the court.

The spokesperson for the office of the mayor, Gregory Seleke, stated yesterday that the identified land was being occupied illegally.

“We take note of the manner in which the community is failing to co-operate according to our last meeting. We have obtained a court order and the shacks in Thutlo Street must be removed with immediate effect as per the court order.”

Seleke added that a meeting that they planned to hold with the community yesterday did not take place,

“Failure to comply with the order then the matter will be attended to according to the provisions of the law. We wish to resolve the matter amicably as agreed during our last meeting with the representatives of the community, but there is an element of refusing and lack thereof.

“Any person who wishes to acquire land should follow the correct procedure without invading land unlawfully.”