Department wants further unlawful occupation of Knoflokskraal stopped

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure says after the unlawful occupation of 2 000 hectares at Knoflokskraal six years ago, the state has been in and out of the courts, trying to contain the expansion and erection of new structures on these state-owned farms.

It says as of August this year, over 4 000 structures had been constructed at Knoflokskraal, adding that it’s not vulnerable people seeking homes but people who use the land for holiday homes.

Minister Dean Macpherson says the department wants the court to prevent further occupation.

“Government is asking the court to prevent the continued occupation from expanding further across all six urban that make up Marievale.

This means preventing new occupations, further construction, the movement of building materials onto the site for new structures and the unlawful sale and allocation of state-owned land,” Macpherson elaborates.

Macpherson says the land was earmarked for forestry, investment and job opportunities.

As part of the containment application, the department wants the deployment of police members to enforce the court’s directive.

He also says they believe criminal activities are taking place.

“Information received by government indicates that plots were being fraudulently sold for about R1 500.

Evidence was provided relating to payments and the structures allegedly facilitating these transactions.” The Minister says they have submitted evidence relating to these payments and more to the SAPS, adding that no one has the right to sell state land.

Video: Minister Dean Macpherson gives an update on efforts to protect state owned property