Brazen land invaders spark concerns in Mariannhill

One woman who spoke to Newswatch says the presence of law enforcement has not deterred the occupiers in Mpola.

She says invaders have caused damage to a property.

READ: Land invasions among issues raised by Newlands East residents

"They are actually not scared of the local security or the police or even the land invasion teams that come. 

"The councillor also is trying to assist us with this matter, but it is getting quite concerning because I think it was yesterday where these land invaders actually went to the neighbour's property and cut the fence to cut the bamboo trees and the neighbour asked them 'Why did you guys do that?' they just said 'Oh sorry'." 

Ward councillor Reginald Cloete says land seekers had approached him, asking for permission to build there.

"I told them the land belongs to the municipality and not himself. Even if they wanted, they can do it the right way and it is not going to be something that is done overnight because we have to involve all the departments that are relevant for that land. 

"I can't give them permission to go and grab that land and they left and I just got a call that they are back again."  

ALSO READ: Newlands East residents warn of 'land invasion crisis'

eThekwini Municipality says it has seen a spike in land invasions in the city. 

The city says its fully-fledged land invasion unit continues to stop and discourage people from occupying land illegally.