Residents blamed for illegal land invasions

Mluleki Mrwebi

02 May 2013

Phillipi East residents over the weekend occupied a piece of land illegally and that led to clashes with the police.

The residents occupied the land on Freedom Day and named their place, the Marikana Land Occupation.

In the past this issue of land invasion was all blamed to an influx of people into the province from other provinces.

Abahlali BaseMjondolo`s Sindi Mkhethane said the City is taking too long to accommodate people in the right areas.

MEC of Human Settlements Bonginkosi Madikizela said these land invasions could be politically motivated since the elections are coming up next year.

Meanwhile Lawyers for Human Rights, says the City of Cape Town’s Anti-Land Invasion Unit established to prevent the illegal occupation of city and provincial land, is acting unlawfully.

LHR`s Hlengiwe Mtshatsha said it is illegal for people to just take a piece of land without the owners being made aware.