A Limpopo chief is at the centre of a legal storm after he allegedly sold land that he has no authority over to scores of people.
Now, more than 50 families living on portions two and three of Dresden farm, which is situated some 5km outside the town of Burgersfort, face eviction and losing their houses.
Elizabeth Johanna Antoinnett Joubert and her son Roelof Jacobus Joubert are asking the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to evict the community, arguing that they are on the land illegally.
According to court documents, 55% of portion two and 10% of portion three of the farm have been illegally occupied. The case is expected to be heard in court next month.
However, residents have blamed a local headman for allegedly misleading them into believing that the land belongs to a local chief.
A resident listed as the second respondent, Joseph Mohlala, 51, said he settled in the area in 2003 and bought four stands for R200 each.
Mohlala said when they bought the stands, he and the other residents were of the impression that the headman had the right to sell them.
He said people were now living in fear that their homes would be demolished if they lose the case.
Many houses with Tuscan tile roofs and which have electricity connectivity can be seen in the area.
"Most people don't have jobs and would not afford to build another house," Mohlala said.
He said the issue became more confusing when each household was served on August 26 with court documents written in Afrikaans.
Mohlala said after receiving summons, residents spoke to the headman and a ward councillor to seek clarity on the issue.
"And surprisingly, they insisted that the land belonged to the chief. When asked about legal representation, both of them claimed that the matter would be struck off the roll."
He said the community waited for a response but it never came.
mahopoz@sowetan.co.za
50 families face eviction for illegal occupation
A Limpopo chief is at the centre of a legal storm after he allegedly sold land that he has no authority over to scores of people.
Now, more than 50 families living on portions two and three of Dresden farm, which is situated some 5km outside the town of Burgersfort, face eviction and losing their houses.
Elizabeth Johanna Antoinnett Joubert and her son Roelof Jacobus Joubert are asking the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to evict the community, arguing that they are on the land illegally.
According to court documents, 55% of portion two and 10% of portion three of the farm have been illegally occupied. The case is expected to be heard in court next month.
However, residents have blamed a local headman for allegedly misleading them into believing that the land belongs to a local chief.
A resident listed as the second respondent, Joseph Mohlala, 51, said he settled in the area in 2003 and bought four stands for R200 each.
Mohlala said when they bought the stands, he and the other residents were of the impression that the headman had the right to sell them.
He said people were now living in fear that their homes would be demolished if they lose the case.
Many houses with Tuscan tile roofs and which have electricity connectivity can be seen in the area.
"Most people don't have jobs and would not afford to build another house," Mohlala said.
He said the issue became more confusing when each household was served on August 26 with court documents written in Afrikaans.
Mohlala said after receiving summons, residents spoke to the headman and a ward councillor to seek clarity on the issue.
"And surprisingly, they insisted that the land belonged to the chief. When asked about legal representation, both of them claimed that the matter would be struck off the roll."
He said the community waited for a response but it never came.
mahopoz@sowetan.co.za
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