Modderbee Correctional Services has obtained a court order to restrain land invaders from occupying land belonging to the prison, at Portion 22 Modderfontein 76, near Chief Albert Luthuli.
The correctional facility approached the High Court of South Africa recently after community members erected illegal structures at their site about four weeks ago.
The application interdicts and restrains the unlawful invaders of the land and any other persons who intend to invade the same land or property.
According to Salome Masuku, head of Modderbee, land-grabbers previously attempted to occupy the land illegally. However, the EMPD Land Invasion Unit would then demolish the structures.
“This time around we decided to seek the court’s intervention because the problem was becoming widespread.
“In July, we engaged the community during a community meeting where we told them that the 21ha of land belongs to the Department of Correctional Services and that they should not proceed with occupying the land.”
Masuku said the land was vacant before the invaders as it was previously occupied by cooperatives who were farming there in collaboration with paroles under the Benoni Community Corrections.
“Operations were halted when they now wanted to erect permanent structures. We then indicated that their plans wouldn’t be viable because the site would be utilised by the department which would then result to a loss. The land then became vacant with no movement.”
She highlighted that the department is in the process of formulating an MOU for cooperatives with the City of Ekurhuleni where community members will benefit from the food security project.
Vandalism
Masuku said vandalism and theft have caused devastating losses for the farm.
“The land was stripped of its fencing and its produce was stolen. The department’s agricultural hangar, its tractors and other equipment were vandalised and stolen,” said Masuku.
The department has lodged a criminal case at Crystal Park SAPS. The matter will be heard at the High Court in Johannesburg on September 5.
According to a community member who wanted to remain anonymous, land grabbers paid a certain fee to ‘someone’ for them to erect their structures or to mark their spots at the site.
The Benoni City Times is still trying to secure an interview with community members (this is a developing story).
Ward 110 Clr Sarah Mnisi refused to comment saying that the matter is not part of her work scope because it involves private property. She said the matter is dealt with by the real estate office.
She said she was not aware of any land invasion activities happening at the site.
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