JCPZ faces tough legal battle to recover own land
LYNDHURST – Even though the owner of the workshop has been served with court papers, he still refuses to vacate land owned by the government.
Joburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), a City of Joburg entity responsible for open spaces and parks, confirmed that they haven’t been able to remove an auto mechanic workshop allegedly operating illegally in Lyndhurst.
In an interview with the North Eastern Tribune, the entity confirmed that they are struggling to enforce the court order to evict the owner of the workshop from the government-owned land on the corner of Pretoria Street and Drome Road.
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Tribune has learned that the court order was delivered on 26 May but the entity has not yet enforced it, even although they have been granted permission. Spokesperson, Jenny Moodley, confirmed that they have served the owner of the workshop with court papers but he refuses to move.
According to her, the owner claims that he pays rent to use the land but could not tell the entity who he is paying it to. “So, we have referred the matter to our legal department to look into and advise on further action to be taken,” said Moodley.
“We are currently collecting evidence that will prove that the land does not belong to anyone but the City of Joburg. We have approached and served him with court papers and he refuses to move.
“This is a legal matter and we want to follow strict legal processes to reclaim the land that belongs to the City.”
Ward 81 councillor, Irene Rugheimer, said the alleged illegal workshop and spray painting business has been a concern to the residents. She further accused the owner of allowing other people to use the property for a hair salon and other businesses, saying that is more of a concern. “The owner has not only violated the bylaws of the City but he has also encouraged others to do the same,” said Rugheimer.
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“As there is no electrical connection on the property, the owner makes use of a generator which disturbs the residents as well. It is a mess and a health hazard.”
Details: Jenny Moodley 082 803 0748.
