Councillor and co back in court

Update

KAROO NEWS - Councillor Xolile Galada, respondent one and Maureen Malaya, respondent two will appear before court again on 27 September for their alleged involvement in the unlawful invasion of municipal property situated between Merino- and Aster Streets in Kroonvale, Graaff-Reinet.

This follows after the Dr Beyers Naude municipality filed an ex parte motion for a final interdict to prohibit and restrain them from inciting or encouraging seven unidentified respondents - respondents five to twelve - and any other person to enter upon the identified municipal property to construct dwellings thereon with the view of establishing an informal settlement or for any other purpose.

The municipality also applied for an order for the eviction of Freek Adams, Geraldine Moorman and Portia Moos – respondents three to five - after they entered and took up residence on the property over the period of 17 to 18 June.

According to the Municipal Manager, Edward Rankwana, the property is not suitable for the development of residential properties as it has not been zoned for that purpose – het says that it has been zoned as "open space" to be used for recreational purposes. In addition, there are no facilities to provide electricity, water, and sewage services.

Rankwana stated that alternative municipal land has been made available at Riemvasmaak for the establishment of an informal settlement where services in the form of electricity, portable water supply and sewage are available to persons who take up residence there.

Respondents three to five appeared before court for the first time on 12 July but their case was postponed allowing them time to obtain legal representation.

They are now represented by Legal Aid South Africa and will be appearing before court again on 6 September.

Previous articles:

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’