An illegal land invasion operation was conducted by Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers together with Matla a Morwa Security in Matholesville on Thursday, September 22.
Unoccupied corrugated iron shacks and half-built illegal structures were demolished and removed.
“Illegal land invasion is a serious scourge in the City of Johannesburg where people illegally occupy pieces of land without approval from the legal owners.
“JMPD has three-pronged approaches when dealing with illegal land invasions. Firstly, through monitoring the hotspots where illegal land occupation is rife and through quick response demolishing and removing illegal structures and demarcations before there is any kind of occupation.
“Secondly, once a settlement or structure is occupied and someone is living under the roof, a court order is required to evict the individual or group. Evictions are done once a court order is received and gives specific instructions for evictions to take place. Thirdly, integrated operations with various stakeholders within the city and province are conducted to put a tight grip on this illegal activity,” explained JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla.
Approximately 44 unoccupied illegal structures were demolished and removed.
The operation had to be halted due to the community becoming violent and resisting the operation.
Members of the public who witnessed or have any information regarding illegal land invasions are encouraged to call the Anti-Land Invasion Hotline on 080 012 0555 for officers and officials to respond and act swiftly.
