Land grabs spark fear

RESIDENTS of Manor Gardens are living in fear after recent attempts of land grabs.

Protests erupted on Thursday after the eThekwini Municipality’s land invasion unit arrived to evict invaders.

During the eviction, several shacks caught alight which caused unrest by the dwellers.

Prabashni Chetty, who has been living in the area for three years, said she awoke to find several alerts on her phone of protests on Mary Thiphe Street and Vusi Mzimela Road in Mayville.

She said she immediately messaged her sisterin-law and mother-in-law who used that route daily for their school- and work-run.

Chetty also heard of another protest on Bellair Road, resulting in both routes being blocked.

“By the time I drove through, there were trees and debris strewn across the road. There were black patches on the road where tyres had been burnt.

“This is very disheartening because the road was resurfaced not too long ago. At least four light poles were chopped down and are still lying at the side of the road.”

Chetty said she was worried of the money she and her husband had invested in their home.

“It is very frustrating that this could not only affect the value of our home, but could also put us in a dangerous situation. Authorities need to take a tougher stance because these protests affect ratepayers and taxpayers.”

Waheeda Peters, a Manor Gardens resident for 15 years, said the future of the area was “worrying”.

“It is scary that such things are happening on a regular basis, with a blatant disregard for municipal property. We are quite disheartened and worried about future living in the area, especially when I have a daughter who goes to school.” She said her family often spoke about moving. eThekwini spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela confirmed that they responded to complaints of a land invasion in the area, which had been earmarked for a housing development.

Demolition

“During the demolition of the illegal structures, members of the community became volatile, attempted to attack members of the city’s land invasion unit and burnt a private vehicle parked in the area. Shacks were also set on fire.”

Mayisela said illegal land invasions had been on the increase and warned the city would do everything in its power to protect the rights of residents and businesses.

“Land is a scarce resource and the municipality has an obligation to protect and preserve land. We cannot allow lawlessness to prevail. Inasmuch as we recognise and protect human rights, we also have an obligation to protect community interests.”

KZN SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane confirmed that at least 24 suspects aged between 18 and 55 were arrested

“They made their first appearance on November 10 in the Durban Magistrate’s Court.”