Residents of Lourierpark and its adjacent areas experienced a notably quieter week compared to the preceding one, as authorities successfully cleared most of the structures erected at 'Mountain View', a name bestowed upon it by land invaders. This development comes amidst ongoing legal battles and tensions surrounding land occupation in the region.
According to Qondlie Khedama, spokesperson for the Mangaung Metro Municipality, the situation has considerably calmed down, with no further instances of invasion reported in Lourier Park. Khedama stated, "The city is awaiting the outcomes of the court case involving the third group of respondents, scheduled for April. We are also monitoring other cases of land invasion and have them under control."
While the metro authorities express satisfaction with the upholding of their court interdict, the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in Mangaung holds a different view. Sanco, not content with the outcomes, filed an application for a court order to prevent the continuous demolition of shacks and what they perceive as inhumane treatment of the community. However, their application was denied.
Neo Lerumo, acting spokesperson for Sanco in the Mangaung region, highlighted a specific clause stating, "The completed, erected shacks must remain, and incomplete shacks can be removed while awaiting the court's outcome in April." Lerumo emphasized Sanco's belief that the Mangaung Municipality and the Free State Department of Human Settlements hold the key to finding a lasting solution and allocating land to Mangaung residents.
On Saturday, March 9, members of the 'Mountain View' community gathered outside the court to hear the latest on the legal proceedings. Some expressed their grievances, highlighting the losses they incurred due to the recent events. "I lost my shack, my bed, and a few other belongings that were in there. There were a lot of things in there," lamented one community member. Another echoed the sentiment, demanding restitution for their losses and condemning the actions taken against them.
The saga of 'Mountain View' underscores the complex and deeply rooted issues surrounding land ownership and allocation in South Africa. While legal processes unfold, the affected communities continue to grapple with the consequences of these disputes, hoping for a resolution that addresses their needs and rights.
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