Two groups of Sada residents in Whittlesea are on a collision course over a section of vacant land.
On Monday, scores of people built shacks on unoccupied land between Bhede and Ngojini villages, saying the land belonged to everyone.
However, the move angered Bhede residents, who demolished the shacks, saying they had no right to build there.
The land owner, Chief Wongalesizwe Zimema, said discussions were still in progress.
“We will comment at an appropriate time when we have concluded the matter,” he said.
Themba Mnyaka, one of the people who built a shack that was destroyed, said they would simply rebuild their homes there as they were desperate.
“We have been waiting for houses for years and the government is doing nothing to address the matter.
“Enoch Mgijima local municipality promised to build RDP houses in that area more than five years ago and they said they are in talks with the chief, but nothing has happened since then,” he said.
He said they were tired of waiting and had decided to take matters into their own hands and occupy the land that was identified by the municipality.
He added that if the residents of Bhede and Ngojini were going to keep on demolishing their shacks, they would be forced to defend them. “We are prepared to fight for that land.”
Ward councillor Nomathamsanqa Qomoyi said: “I will call a meeting with all the leaders and try to reach a solution on the matter, otherwise people will die here.”
Qomoyi said the council had approved construction of houses in the area but the application was still with the provincial department of human settlements for approval.
Ngojini resident Zwelakhe Ntaba said the invasion was politically motivated.
“These are EFF members who are invading the land without following proper procedures.”
EFF regional chair Xhanti Kani admitted they were part of the invasion, saying it was one of the pillars of their party.
“Our people don’t have land. We are saying they must take the land and build the streets so that the municipality brings services to them,” he said...