200 shacks built on illegally invaded land demolished

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More than 200 shacks that were built on illegally invaded land were demolished by the Gauteng department of human settlements on Tuesday morning in Palm Ridge, Ekurhuleni.

This comes after invaders took occupation of the department’s serviced stands in December 2022 meant for its Ikageleng Rapid Land Release Programme.

According to Tahir Sema, the departmental spokesperson, the invaders also illegally connected themselves to electricity, water and the sewer system and had caused damages to public infrastructure.

“Following a protracted court battle that started in December 2022, the High Court granted the department an eviction order in January 2023.

“During the month of March 2023 the invaders requested via the courts a stay in execution which they subsequently lost.

“The department tried several times to engage the illegal invaders but with no success,” he explained.

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The operations were jointly carried out without any incidents and within the ambit of the law, it was initiated by the department and included;  Ekurhuleni Metro Police, the SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs and a local NGO called Ekupholeni Mental Health and Trauma Centre which offered counselling services to the evicted people.

Sema stated that the invasion disrupted an important programme of the department.

He continued; “The Ikageleng Rapid Land Release Programme is meant for deserving beneficiaries who had waited a long time on our waiting list.

“This programme allocates serviced stands with water, electricity and sewer connections to qualifying beneficiaries who earn from R3501 to R22000 and can build houses for themselves.”

Sema said that the department will not hesitate to evict those who invade land and property.

He also encouraged communities to report the illegal occupation of land and houses to local law enforcement.

“These unlawful acts delay much needed development and the provision of services meant for communities,” Sema expressed.    

He further added that they are working with the courts, developers, and police to execute eviction orders against these illegal acts of land and house invasions.