City steps in as attempted land invasion unfolds in Kensington

The City of Cape Town has intervened to prevent an attempted mass land invasion at the Ndabeni Trust Land in Kensington, following an incident involving approximately 50 people on Sunday, 1 November, Cape {town} Etc reports.

According to JP Smith, enforcement services and the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Public Order Policing (POPS) unit were deployed to the erf adjacent to Voortrekker Road.

The land was legally granted to the Ndabeni Land Trust by the State through the land restitution process. The City said individuals had been unlawfully occupying portions of the property and erecting structures despite an existing court interdict.

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Six community members with a court order were permitted to build on the site. However, approximately 50 others without court authorisation allegedly joined them and began putting up structures.

The Trust and nearby residents subsequently requested intervention, with the Trust also approaching SAPS to lay trespassing charges.

The City deployed Traffic Services, Metro Police Tactical Response Unit, Neighbourhood Safety Officers, its Drone Unit and Law Enforcement officers to the area.

The intervention followed concerns about possible public violence, with nearby residents reportedly threatening unrest if no action was taken.

The City said unlawful land occupations could result in infrastructure vandalism, theft, illegal dumping and increased crime, as well as service delivery-related protests. Authorities will continue monitoring the property for further attempts to occupy the land.

Residents are urged to report suspicious vehicles, including bakkies and taxis, entering the area by contacting the City’s 24-hour land invasion hotline on 021 480 7700. The number is also listed on the City’s official reporting page.

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**Picture: **Sharon Seretlo / Gallo Images

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