SEDGEFIELD NEWS - Knysna Municipality has obtained a high court interdict to restrict illegal land invaders from erecting additional structures or entering plots earmarked for the Sedgefield Infill Housing Programme - a development intended to provide more than 150 serviced sites in its first phase.
Illegal occupants erected structures on the site on Friday 17 October, after learning that project funding had been withdrawn once again.
It has been reported that about 100 structures have been erected and occupied since 17 October.
Court order to protect public investment
The interim interdict, granted on Friday 24 October, prohibits unlawful occupiers from erecting new structures, entering existing illegally built ones, or accessing the property altogether.
Municipal Manager Lulamile Mapholoba said the municipality acted swiftly to prevent further encroachment and safeguard a significant public investment.
"The continued illegal occupation of this site will rob the community of a R10.7m investment in their own housing project," Mapholoba said. "We cannot allow this to happen."
He stressed that the municipality’s actions aim not only to comply with the law, but also to protect the interests of residents and preserve the integrity of the long-awaited housing project.
"We have not simply pursued this course of action to meet legal requirements, but to protect the interests of our community," he said. "We ask that residents cease unlawful activities and co-operate with us so that we may continue providing safe, serviced sites to the community."
The interdict allows the municipality to open cases of trespassing, arrest illegal occupiers, and prosecute offenders if necessary.
Mapholoba reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to law and order, emphasising a zero-tolerance approach to land invasion while safeguarding human rights.
In accordance with the court order, the municipality will communicate the interdict via loudhailer in Smutsville and by displaying it at the affected property, at Smutsville Library, the community centre, and municipal offices.
Community mediation and concerns
Meanwhile Lynn Kayster, a community activist from Hornlee, said several Smutsville residents approached her for guidance due to her experience with eviction and social housing matters.
"I am merely acting as an advisor and not an instigator," she explained. "My aim is to help prevent unrest or flare-ups that could lead to casualties, such as the riots in Hornlee in 2020."
Kayster, who is acting as a mediator between the community and the municipality, said many residents are frustrated by funding delays and are seeking transparency.
"People are simply looking for the truth," she said. "The repeated withdrawal of funding raises doubts about whether this housing development will ever happen as promised since 2019."
Current status and way forward
At the time of going to press, illegal occupants remain in place and have not yet been served with formal eviction notices in accordance with human settlement and housing rights.
A meeting held on Wednesday 29 October between Smutsville community members and municipal directorates sought to clarify the court order, address community concerns, and ensure that all future actions proceed in a peaceful and lawful manner.
The illegal occupants erected their structures on the land in Smutsville last Friday.
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