Private property in Princess threatened by informal settlement
A resident voices her concerns about an informal settlement that is moving on to their family's plot.
An invasive informal settlement has caused not only emotional trauma but severe financial implications for a plot owner.
Sarah Wolfaardt, whose family owns the plot in question, explains her grandfather built a house on the land and with time they added a few additional buildings.
“My family owns the plot, but due to the security risks we faced, we had to move out of the house that has been in our family for years.”
Wolfaardt explained the trouble with the informal settlement came after the municipality put public toilets in the area, after which the camps increased. She stated they are currently moving in on her family’s private property.
“The municipality, as part of an environmental department project, has been placing municipal toilets on our property and because they’ve done that, the residents now think it’s no longer private property. Stanley Mogapi, who looks after the property, told me this morning [June 2] they’re starting to put more poles up to make their own yards.” said Wolfaardt.
Wolfaardt added while they were moving their belongings out, residents from the informal settlement came into the house and demanded the property, she continued to say that she informed them they can’t have the property without buying it. She explained they were lucky enough to get a tenant, however, he has received threats as well and it has gotten to a point where it wasn’t safe for his family.
She mentioned that they have contacted the police multiple times, but they refuse to come out to the property.
Xolani Fihla, spokesperson from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) stated, “The JMPD Region C management is not aware of the concern or complaint. The onus is for the private property owner to deal with this matter. If the property is privately owned, the owner should secure his/ her property to prevent invasion or get security to guard his property.”
Adding to the many issues arising from the informal settlement is electricity usage. Wolfaardt stated they suspect the residents might be illegally connected to their electricity as their account is over R100 000 for only one tenant, which she explains is not possible. In conversation with Isaac Mangena, Johannesburg City Power spokesperson, he explained Wolfaardt owes R275 443.68, as the account is in arrears.
On June 14, Wolfaardt added electrical poles had been put up on their property, however, City Power stated they are not aware of who is responsible for the electrical poles on the property.
“My issue is, buy a thing. If you’re going to put municipal toilets on it, pay our rent for the space you’re taking up,” said Wolfaardt.
She continued by saying, removing the toilets now, won’t help either as the residents have already moved in. This makes selling the property an issue as no one wants to buy it, with the informal settlement encroaching.
“It got to a point where we realised we really can’t stay here anymore. It’s not safe. My dad was getting older, so we moved out. But still, there’s no hope of selling the place, nobody wants it. We’re stuck and it’s not even about the money at this point,” Wolfaardt concluded.
