Roaming stock cause damages

Residents of Alf Makaleng Drive in Seshego Zone 4 are up in arms about the ongoing damages to their gardens caused by cattle and pigs owned by illegal occupants of undeveloped land adjacent to their homes. The situation is aggravated by the health hazard being created by the animals that feed from randomly dumped litter.
“The problems started in 2010 and we have raised the matter with our ward committee members on numerous occasions but nothing has been done,” a resident that wishes to remain anonymous, told Polokwane Observer and added that he has delivered a letter requesting intervention from Polokwane Executive Mayor Thembi Nkadimeng on 5 September. “I received no response and re-delivered the letter to the offices of the municipality on 10 October and 15 November, but to no avail,” he said.
“The squatters live in shacks owned by prominent members of the community which allegedly include a former councillor, various policemen and even the younger brother of a member of the municipality’s security services,” the resident claimed.
During a visit to the area on Monday it was evident that a large number of livestock including cattle, donkeys, pigs and goats freely roam the residential area much to the frustration of residents.
Although the matter was referred to the municipality last Tuesday already, comment was still being awaited at time of going to print.

Story and photos: BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com

Featured photo: A vandalised garden on the pavement of Alf Makaleng Drive in Seshego Zone 4 is evidence of damage done by free roaming livestock.