Land invaders, police clash in Copesville

AN ATTEMPT to invade land in Copesville, Pietermaritzburg, turned ugly yesterday as residents blocked roads, burned electricity poles and clashed with the police.

On Tuesday, residents had invaded land earmarked for a housing development and started clearing it to put up structures but were stopped by municipal security officials.

The land is for about 1 170 low cost houses which had been approved in 2005.

“The community has been waiting for more than 20 years, you cannot wait that long for a house,” said Thami Mbeje.

Ward councillor Spha Madlala said while the frustration with delays was understandable, the community did not have a right to invade municipal land. “People have been made aware that land invasion is illegal and as such the law will take its course.”