LIMPOPO – They appeared in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court in Sekhukhune last Wednesday.
The 11 men were charged after residents of Motetema and Tafelkop’s Botlopunya section started occupying privately owned property in Motetema illegally at the beginning of June. According to residents, the forceful occupation came after Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality’s stalling in attending the matter.
After the recent forum leaders’ meeting with the Mayor, Julia Mathebe, the Municipal Manager, Minor Maredi, and police at the Groblersdal Police Station, the men were arrested and charged.
WO Stanley Magela, Groblersdal Police Spokes-person, confirmed at the time a case of trespassing had been opened and the men were released on warning.
Booysen Mahlangu, Motetema Unemployment Forum Chairperson, earlier said the programme to occupy the privately owned land was ongoing.
“We, as leaders, are not the ones who told the residents to occupy the land. What happened is that residents wanted the land and chose us to represent them in their programme. As we speak the residents are occupying land.
“They are not going to stop because they need land,” said Mahlangu.
Mbusi Mhlangu, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality Spokesperson, said earlier they would not comment as the matter was currently receiving legal attention.
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