Action needed to stop illegal land occupation

THE DESPERATION of some people to own a piece of land on which to build themselves a place they can call home has made many South Africans easy prey for criminals.

People should be wary of falling into the trap of illegally buying land from strangers who do not produce sufficient tangible proof that they have authority to sell.

Our brothers and sisters should wisen up and do their research before they are duped into giving their hardearned cash to hardened criminals.

The rise of land invasions and illegal occupations in places like Rosslyn and Soshanguve should be cause for concern for authorities and citizens alike. Such occurrences lead to violent protests, injuries and serious financial implications.

Citizens have a responsibility to report those who sell land illegally or encourage illegal land occupation. The authorities have a responsibility to introduce a proactive strategy that will halt such plans.

Access to land is a fundamental pillar of a socially inclusive and cohesive society. However, the allocation of land should systematic, orderly and consistent with the rule of law, lest the country fall into lawlessness.

The trending video of an inconsolable pregnant woman crying as her house was bulldozed in Rosslyn is not easy to digest. It was heartbreaking to learn that she spent R150 000 to unknowingly buy that piece of land illegally. She spent even more money to build a house.

Her despair as she helplessly watched her investment being crushed to rubble was an indication that the government would do well to speed up its commitment to release and redistribute state-owned land.

JABULANI MALINGA | Akasia