The Southeast Midrand Surbaban Alliance (SeMSA) commended the city, the Department of Human Settlements, JMPD and all other stakeholders for their efforts in evicting land grabbers in Austin View.
However, SeMSA said they remained concerned that there were seemingly inadequate law enforcement measures to prevent the land invaders from occupying other land in the area.
Read more: Semsa deputy welcomes the removal of land grabbers in Austin View
The alliance’s deputy chairperson Thabo Moorosi said the result of this was that the evictees were targeting other areas such as Mayibuye (corner of Dane and Modderfontein roads), Rabie Ridge (Modderfontein and Rietduiker roads), Boxer Road and Keeshond Street (both in Austin View).
He added the ‘failure’ to decisively address illegal land invasions and enforce the law has, in SemSA’s very strong view, led to attempts by illegal land grabbers to seize other vacant stands that are privately owned in Austin View, President Park, and Glen Austin.
Also read: Human Settlements cannot accommodate Austin View evictees due to 500 000 backlog
“Despite the weekly evictions, illegal land grabbers repeatedly remove the security fencing and erect shacks shortly after being evicted. A private security company has been tasked to secure the land but unfortunately, their efforts have been in vain. The guards have been targeted and their vehicle was burned after they fled from the land grabbers. SeMSA believes that an alternate integrated strategy to the security issue is required, one that is jointly supported by the city and the private sector,” said Moorosi.
He added there had been a surge in illegal businesses along the roadsides in Austin View and Mayibuye. “Also, there had been a notable increase in criminal activities in the surrounding areas such as housebreakings, gate motor thefts and muggings of pedestrians on the streets within the suburbs in SeMSA.”
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements was contacted for a comment and they replied, “The land is now the property of the City of Johannesburg. Please contact them.”
The city’s spokesperson Nthatisi Modongoane and JMPD had not responded at the time of going to print.
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