Issue 190 - FREE
24
AUGUST 2018
Community News. Original - accurate - first
017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 • admin@thebulletin.co.za • 1 Kiewiet Street, Secunda (Lake Umuzi)
Kriel invasions averted
Sunday morning (19 August) saw Kriel becoming the latest victim of the wave of nationwide land invasions. A group of people moved to land adjacent to Kriel and started to peg out stands. The farmer tried to open a case but was initially given a cold shoulder. A case was eventually opened and Police had to respond. The crowd of approximately 150 people gathered around the police, farmers, Afriforum and councillors. The crowd claimed that the farmer agreed to share half the farm with them for housing. The Acting Station commander asked the farmer to verify the claims. Even in the threatening situation the claims were denied by the farmer. The farmer pointed out to the police as well as the occupiers that the land is not suitable for housing as underground mining operations will commence there in the near future, making it unsafe to build any structure in the area. The crowd slowly grew to about 300. It is alleged that some of the crowd don’t even reside in Kriel or nearby. Some members of the crowd became very emotional and were difficult to reason with. It was then decided that the occupiers should chose 5 representatives and that the negotiations should move to the police station. At this stage the farmers withdrew
themselves apart from the crowd and just observed the situation. At the police station the situation was easier to discuss and negotiate. The acting station commander pointed out to the representatives that if they return to the land at this stage, she would have to enforce the law as a case had been opened for trespassing. It was also pointed out that the Public Order Police Services are on their way to restore law and order. The land invaders stated to the police and councillors that they don’t want to violate any laws but that they are tired of all the empty promises made by the ruling party (ANC). Kriel has been neglected for a very long time. New housing is being built in other areas and if anyone would like to benefit from the housing schemes they should move away from Kriel. It was then agreed that a memorandum would be drawn up, demanding that the situation receive the attention it deserves and that land be made available for housing. The Mayor of eMalahleni should respond within seven days. Democratic Alliance Councillor Dirk Grobler stated to the Bulletin that they have repeatedly warned eMalahleni council that Kriel is being totally neglected as far as RDP and stands are concerned. Continued to page 5
Integrated forces clamp down on illegal mining See page 2 for full story.