Municipal spokesperson, Sello Matsie, tells OFM News that this hampers development in the area, as happened with the proposed Mall development that was thwarted in Galeshewe. 

He says the municipality has on several occasions obtained a court interdict against the unlawful occupation of land in such areas. 

Matsie adds the area has not only been robbed of the economic spin-off but it remains impossible for the Municipality to develop or even build houses on private property. 

Meanwhile, police spokesperson, Dimakatso Mooi, tells OFM News that the police are aware of such but no case has been opened and there has not been any reports of violence.

Matsie further says the municipality urges all private landowners to take full responsibility for their properties.   He says they should instead make sure that necessary measures are put in place, such fencing their land off and to seek legal recourse.

He adds that the Municipality won't take responsibility for any illegal actions and landowners should also demarcate and put up visible signs indicating that the land is private. 

"As to residents who wish to access land, there is a procurement process and areas available where the Municipality could make available through the proper channels." 

"Unfortunately we are unable to intervene as the land hardly belongs to the Municipality, it's for the landowner to approach the law enforcement agencies," Matsie concluded.

The municipality was a constant feature in the next headlines during the “Shutdown Kimberly" protests in 2018 when irate residents demanded the removal of the then mayor, Mangaliso Matika, who later resigned.

OFM News