Concerns have been raised about the illegal occupation and deforestation of land around King William’s Town where almost 100 plots have been demarcated by groups of unknown people.
The land grabs have taken place in the villages of Tolofiyeni and Masingatha, just 5km from the King William’s Town CBD.
Tolofiyeni village leader Phindile Booi said three people were behind the invasion there.
“We don’t know what is happening here,” Booi said. “There’s a community general meeting that is planned for next week where we will discuss this. We have strangers who are coming in to occupy our land.”
At Masingatha village, residents said the newly demarcated plots stretch along the R63 towards King William’s Town’s West Bank suburb.
When the Daily Dispatch visited the site yesterday, three people in expensive vehicles were seen parked on the side of the road looking at the plots.
Approached for comment, school teacher Makaxole Zongwe said he was looking for land and had heard plots were available in the area.
“I am looking for a piece of land next to West Bank suburb so I can build a bigger house,” Zongwe said.
Nosipho Joxo said she was looking for two plots to develop. “We don’t want to miss out because village land is for free and we are allowed to build our houses instead of going to pay bonds in suburbs. We save a lot of money here,” Joxo said.
While the Dispatch was there several other motorists driving past stopped and asked if they could buy land. A man employed by a plot “owner” to fell trees explained that it was on a “first-come-first-serve” basis.
Shane Nogqala from Alice said he needed a house near King. “Everyday I am doing business in King, it would be nice at times not to travel between King and Alice but to stay nearby,” he said.
It is not clear who the land belongs too. “In the meeting many things will be discussed and our headman will be there, where we will know more about this land,” Booi said.
Not far away, residents of KwaDikidikana have also been fighting illegal invasions on their grazing land. The area is tense as residents have demanded that those occupying the land move. The matter is currently being heard in the Bhisho High Court.
In Mpandlana village, which also falls under King William’s Town, plots of land are being sold for R110 along the R63. Residents spoken to were unhappy saying it was strangers buying the plots.
Tolofiyeni village residents said illegally occupied land had been earmarked for business development and for the benefit of the community, but those projects had stalled as a result.
The Tolofiyeni Development Forum could not be reached for comment at the time of writing.
Mystery land grabs near King anger villagers
The land grabs have taken place in the villages of Tolofiyeni and Masingatha, just 5km from the King William’s Town CBD.
Tolofiyeni village leader Phindile Booi said three people were behind the invasion there.
“We don’t know what is happening here,” Booi said. “There’s a community general meeting that is planned for next week where we will discuss this. We have strangers who are coming in to occupy our land.”
At Masingatha village, residents said the newly demarcated plots stretch along the R63 towards King William’s Town’s West Bank suburb.
When the Daily Dispatch visited the site yesterday, three people in expensive vehicles were seen parked on the side of the road looking at the plots.
Approached for comment, school teacher Makaxole Zongwe said he was looking for land and had heard plots were available in the area.
“I am looking for a piece of land next to West Bank suburb so I can build a bigger house,” Zongwe said.
Nosipho Joxo said she was looking for two plots to develop. “We don’t want to miss out because village land is for free and we are allowed to build our houses instead of going to pay bonds in suburbs. We save a lot of money here,” Joxo said.
While the Dispatch was there several other motorists driving past stopped and asked if they could buy land. A man employed by a plot “owner” to fell trees explained that it was on a “first-come-first-serve” basis.
Shane Nogqala from Alice said he needed a house near King. “Everyday I am doing business in King, it would be nice at times not to travel between King and Alice but to stay nearby,” he said.
It is not clear who the land belongs too. “In the meeting many things will be discussed and our headman will be there, where we will know more about this land,” Booi said.
Not far away, residents of KwaDikidikana have also been fighting illegal invasions on their grazing land. The area is tense as residents have demanded that those occupying the land move. The matter is currently being heard in the Bhisho High Court.
In Mpandlana village, which also falls under King William’s Town, plots of land are being sold for R110 along the R63. Residents spoken to were unhappy saying it was strangers buying the plots.
Tolofiyeni village residents said illegally occupied land had been earmarked for business development and for the benefit of the community, but those projects had stalled as a result.
The Tolofiyeni Development Forum could not be reached for comment at the time of writing.
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