The DA in the Western Cape condemns the upsurge of land invasions in the province. Petersfield farm in Citrusdal, in the Cederberg Municipality, is under invasion.
I call on community members to not be party to lawless land-grabs, and urge them to stay within the bounds of the law and allow state delivery to run its course in a manner that is fair.
Land invasion would mean illegal and premature land occupation that would deprive occupants of basic services such as water and sanitation.
Land invasion is a criminal offence. When land is occupied illegally, it delays the process of government delivery and makes land distribution unfair as those who are lawfully waiting their turn are disadvantaged.
It seems suspicious that there is a sudden upsurge of illegal land-grabs so close in time to a local government election.
I urge community members to remain calm and adhere to the due processes that are in place for delivering housing opportunities in our province. The DA in the Western Cape recognises that it is imperative that we proceed with the delivery of human settlements in a way that is fair and equal for those who are on the beneficiary list.
We cannot succumb to lawlessness and must uphold the rule of law.
