A group of farmers called United Farms of Rietfontein Lenasiarecently took City of Joburg municipality to court for continuous land invasions in Lenasia, South of Johannesburg.
United Farms of Rietfontein Lenasia consists of nine farm owners who reside at Nirvana Drive, opposite Extension 9 in Lenasia. They have been staying there for over 40 years and struggling to get title deeds from the provincial government.
Lenasia police station spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said they have received complaints from farm owners about increased rates of crime activities, since illegal land invasions took place.
“The group of farms reported that illegal occupants have brought distress to their families as they vandalise their properties. There is also illegal electricity connection. Residents opened a case whereby there was house break-in and motor gate theft”, said Peters.
According to the group’s legal team, it has given City of Joburg, Department of Human settlements ad registry of deeds office a court order. Their recent court order is of 29 September 2020, showing that the city should take all necessary steps such as appointing a town planner. He or she will lodge and persecute an application for subdivision of Rietfontein farm. The order instructs City of Joburg to provide farmers with schedule of town planners or companies which have provided town planning services to the city before.
City of Joburg spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane said their team dealing with illegal land invasions is always on the road, responding to new reported cases of the same matter. He said the team is also demolishing illegal structures.
“City of Joburg is planning to launch 10 Plus Programme which will integrate law enforcement, crime prevention as well as basic service delivery programmes at ward level. The programme will also help to prevent illegal land invasions in different wards”, said Modingoane.
