AfriForum has once again dealt a deathblow to an attempt of unlawful land occupation in cooperation with role-players in the White River district. This follows after an urgent court order was obtained on 28 August 2019 against a large group of people that illegally entered Gustav Kruger’s land and started erecting structures.
Kruger tried to open a case against the trespassers, but the police in White River initially refused to accept the charge. After continuous pressure the police opened a case, but didn’t take the necessary steps to crack down on the offences and protect Kruger’s property.
AfriForum, private security companies and other role-players intervened at Kruger’s request and safeguarded the area by, among others, planning sessions, observation posts and intensive patrols.
AfriForum also approached the Red Ants and the structures on Kruger’s land were removed this morning.
“The police’s continuous failure to assist the owner of the land that is unlawfully taken away from him/her is frightening. AfriForum is already busy consulting with its legal team to, as in other instances of failure, hold the SAPS and the Minister of Police responsible for the costs incurred to have the trespassers and their unfinished structures removed,” says Marnus Kamfer, AfriForum’s Legal and Risk Manager for Community Safety.
“The fact that the community supported each other, mainly contributed to the success that was achieved today. The protection of property rights is still a big priority for AfriForum. AfriForum will continue to protect this right on all fronts,” says Hillel Coetzer, AfriForum’s Head of Community Safety for the Northern Region.
