Concerned residents gear up to fight land grab

A LAND grab was temporarily halted in Danielskuil after concerned citizens objected to about 300 stands and a large shanty settlement being erected near a residential area recently.

A spokesperson for the Concerned Citizens of the Danielskuil Landbou Erwe, Karel Bezuidenhout, said they were prepared to pursue legal action to stop the occupation.

Bezuidenhout warned that the land occupiers could return, as no decisive measures had been taken to prevent further illegal settlement after the first attempt three weeks ago.

“Since the start of the ‘invasion’, we have experienced an increase in crime as well as trespassing on private property. We are aware of the current housing crisis in Danielskuil, but we do not see this move as sustainable or feasible,” he said.

He noted that the land was unsuitable for settlement as it was unserviced.

“It was declared a flood zone where houses were washed away in 1996. There is no access to drinking water, sanitation facilities, or refuse removal services,” Bezuidenhout pointed out.

“The use of long drops could contaminate underground water supplies, as boreholes are used for both livestock and people.”

Bezuidenhout added that the area had only one high-mast light and that the long grass posed a fire hazard.

“Proactive measures must be taken to prevent further escalation and mitigate potential challenges associated with land invasions.” 

He accused the Kgatelopele Municipality of paying “lip service” to preventing land grabs while taking no real action.

“I was told to explain to the invaders why they can’t move there — but this is not my responsibility,” he said.

The municipality had not responded to media enquiries by the time of publication.