Rubber bullets disperse land invaders near Ivory Park
MIDRAND – About 7 600 people had registered to build structures on the land.
Metro police had to use rubber bullets to disperse a violent crowd that had invaded private land near Ivory Park on 2 September.
The police were called to the scene after a number of people had invaded the land and began erecting shacks.
“They [invaders] were approached by the Metro police. They were asked to disperse but they resisted and the police had to use rubber bullets to disperse them,” said the spokesperson for Metro Police Station Edna Mamonyane.
According to Ward 79 councillor Thomas Maluleka, the invaders were being led by local resident Lukhanyo Mnyamana who has been facilitating the process of invasion.
Maluleka said the land was expropriated by the City’s previous administration for housing project purposes on a lease agreement with the private owner.
However, the new administration reversed the agreement which halted the housing development. “We have been explaining to residents about the matter,” added Maluleka.
“We have been informed that Mnyamana was leading [the invasion of] the land. Although we understand people’s frustrations, we do not condone the illegal invasion of land.”
Mnyamana told Midrand Reporter that about 7 600 people from Rabie Ridge, Kanana and Ivory Park were planning on building shacks on the land. He said they were aware that the land belonged to a private owner who apparently bought the land in 1996. “The land was registered in 1996 but there hasn’t been any development.
“We are a group of backyard dwellers and tenants. Some cannot afford to pay rent and are from poor backgrounds. Each person paid R35 as a facilitation fee.”
Mnyamana said they would approach the relevant authorities to demand that the land was made available.
“We will continue with efforts to occupy the land. We will go to all relevant authorities to find a way forward,” he said.
Ward 110 councillor Lesiba Lamola and Maluleke said they would address the issue of land invasion in their upcoming community meetings.
Share your views on the Midrand Reporter Facebook page or email our group editor on daniellap@caxton.co.za
Also check out:
