On 11 May 2014, a group of approximately 50 people attempted to invade vacant land in the Stockville Valley. The property in question belongs to the Naik family and stretches the length of the Stockville Valley from Glenwood Road in Kloof to the N3.
In the photo: Land invaders can quickly become squatters, who are difficult to evict
In March 2011, there was a similar attempt to invade the land. This current attempt was on the land adjacent to Stockville Road and Carnation Place.
“I received a call from a resident of Stockville and immediately contacted Land Invasion Unit,” said Councillor Rick Crouch. “I drove down and arrived at the same time as the Land Invasion Unit. I addressed the people there and explained to them that what they were doing was illegal and that the Land Invasion Unit would be removing them by force, if necessary. They told me that they had got permission from the ANC PR Councillor Mhlanzi. Cllr Mhlanzi contacted me by SMS and said he has no knowledge of this and did not give them permission.”
Land Invasion Unit dispersed the group and they left peacefully.
“There are continually rumours going around that eThekwini will be building houses in Stockville and I have repeatedly tried to assure the residents in Stockville that the Housing Department had made the decision that there will be no houses on that land. These rumours usually start up just before an election cycle, for obvious reasons.” Crouch continued.
“I would like to thank the Land Invasion Unit for their prompt and efficient response to this illegal land invasion.” said Councillor Rick Crouch.
If you see the illegal invasion of vacant land, you must report it immediately as there is only 24 hours in which to remove the invaders. Failing that, an eviction order must be obtained from a court and the “squatters” must then also be provided with an alternate place to live. The land invaders know this and that is why most of these land invasions happen over weekends.
The eThekwini Land Invasion Unit can be contacted on either 031 311 4024 or 031 311 4703. Failing that, contact Councillor Rick Crouch on 073 418 6996.
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