Squatters keep returning in Midrand

Despite Metro police officers demolishing nine shacks in Midrand on 9 January, Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe said the shacks continue to be rebuilt.

“This problem emanates from back in 2016. The police remove them but they keep on coming back,” Deppe said.

She said there does not seem to be a permanent solution and all she can do as a councillor is report the matter.

Six of the nine shacks were built on Janadel Avenue in Halfway Gardens next to Varsity College, two in Allendale and one opposite Midrand Police Station.

“There has been complaints from students that they get attacked when walking past the squatters.”

Deppe said efforts to remedy the situation should include Home Affairs intervention in registering undocumented immigrants and implement strict control measures at the boarders.

“Some of the squatters are illegal immigrants and some are local men who work for construction companies. Those I have spoken to revealed that they prefer living close to work because they get paid little and can’t afford transport money.”

Spokesperson for Metro police, Edna Mamonyane said the issue of squatters was a very difficult one to tackle. Mamonyane said, “It’s difficult because they don’t say when they have identified land to invade. We rely on tip-offs from community members and when action is taken by the land owner to obtain eviction order.”

Mamonyane further encouraged people to report illegal land invasion.

What else can be done to fight land invasion? Share your thoughts on this by emailing our editor, Daniella Potter, at daniellap@caxton.co.za