Following the land invasion that started on Friday 1 March at Lourierpark, the tension between residents and the land invaders was at an all-time high today with residents barricading the entrances with burning tyres and threatening to have the invaders removed.
Bloemfontein Courant was on the scene where police armed with rubber bullets and stun grenades were trying their best to keep the situation at bay.
According to one of the residents, Kamohelo Mamatu, they feel as though they were caught off guard with the influx of people in the area and that they are now fearing for how the situation will unfold. Many told the publication that they will not stand for this.
With clear intentions to remain in the area, many of the so-called invaders are adamant about putting up their structures amidst the chaos around them.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other interested and affected stakeholders have put steps into motion to compel the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and the South African Police Service to give effect to a court order the city has obtained to address an unlawful invasion of municipal land at Lourierpark.
According to the ward councillor of the area, David Mc Kay, the delays that caused the municipality’s lackluster efforts to prevent and halt illegal land grabs are deemed unacceptable, necessitating immediate action.
“Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi has to be held accountable for his inadequate response to this crisis. Following the Free State High Court ruling of 2 March 2024, the Sheriff and SAPS have been duly authorised and directed to expel the illegal occupants from the area,” said Mc Kay.
He added that they will, to any extent necessary and if no substantive progress is made, petition the court to ensure strict adherence to the existing order, with a focus on Sections 2.4 and 2.6 of the order.
Make sure you grab this weeks’ Bloemfontein Courant for a full update on the situation.
Justine Fortuin
