Knysna moves to clear illegal occupations in Smutsville

Update

SEDGEFIELD NEWS - Knysna Municipality has begun taking legal action and physical steps to remove illegal land invaders and structures on municipal property in Sedgefield, near the Usave and Smutsville dunes.

The move follows an interim high court order to evict illegal occupants from the site, which has been earmarked for the Sedgefield Infill Housing Programme.

These illegal invaders erected and occupied the land since 17 October, and reportedly, there are reportedly about 100 structures on the land.

Legal action and enforcement
According to Acting Municipal Manager Dr Richard Martin, a docket has been opened at the Sedgefield Police for contempt of court, with further individual cases of trespassing and contravention of the interim order being prepared.

"We are compiling a list of individuals who have illegally built and occupied structures on the identified properties," said Martin. "Half-built illegal structures are being demolished, and security has been deployed to prevent further occupation."

Martin explained that the local law enforcement cluster, including the police, met on 30 October to finalise a co-ordinated enforcement plan. A service provider has been appointed to assist in clearing the sites, while 24-hour security will ensure compliance with the court order. "The cluster will implement an overarching anti-land invasion plan," he said.

Protecting housing beneficiaries
The municipality maintains that the illegal occupation threatens the R10.7m Sedgefield Infill Housing Project, which aims to deliver over 150 serviced sites in its first phase.

"These transgressors are violating the rights of around 300 pre-screened beneficiaries, including the disabled, elderly, military veterans, and child-headed households," Martin stated. "We will prosecute these offenders to the fullest extent of the law."

Community dispute over evictions
However, community activist Lynn Kayster, speaking on behalf of the occupiers, challenged the municipality’s interpretation of the court order.

"The interdict restricts new trespassers and prohibits further construction - it does not authorise demolitions or evictions of current occupants," she said. Kayster added that while removing tents might be justified, dismantling occupied structures requires a formal eviction order.

As tensions rise, both sides await further legal clarification while the municipality urges residents to co-operate to safeguard the housing project’s progress. It has been said that this matter will be heard in court on 28 November, but this has not been officially confirmed.

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