By Staff Reporter
MOKGOLOBOTO – The Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) has expressed sympathy to residents affected by the recent demolitions of illegal structures, while urging the public to verify land ownership before making any purchases.
This comes after 65 houses, 58 fenced-off stands, and 37 shacks were demolished on Erf 1018, Dan Extension 2, Portions 25 and 28 of the Farm Mohlaba’s Location 567LT, on Monday, 15 September 2025.
In a statement, the Municipality said:
“We sympathize with those affected by the demolitions. These decisions are never taken lightly. However, repeated warnings were issued before any action was taken.”
The warnings included public notices, loud-hailing campaigns, pamphlet distribution, the erection of an on-site warning board (later vandalized), and the appointment of 24-hour security. Despite these interventions, illegal occupation and construction continued.
The Municipality stressed the importance of verifying ownership before buying land:
“We urge all prospective property buyers to verify ownership with the Municipality before making any purchase. This will protect buyers from fraudulent transactions and prevent unlawful occupation of municipal land.”
“The demolitions were carried out under an order of the High Court of South Africa, Limpopo Division, Polokwane.”
The statement further state that an interim court order was first obtained on 15 December 2022, opposed by Mr. Mogale Joseph Mokgoloboto.
A final order was granted on 12 June 2025. On 20 August 2025, Mr. Mokgoloboto secured a temporary interdict halting the demolition, but this was dismissed with costs on 29 August 2025, clearing the way for execution.
This was not the first intervention: on 26 February 2024, several structures, including a 4×2 brick structure and two houses, were demolished under the interim order.
Despite these legal actions, the Municipality says illegal occupation continued in defiance of court rulings.
The affected land has already been earmarked for formal township establishment, with a layout approved by the Municipal Planning Tribunal.
GTM explained that failure to act against illegal occupation poses serious risks.
These include uncontrolled and unsafe settlement growth, disruptions in service delivery, safety hazards to occupants and neighbors, as well as fraudulent land sales that exploit unsuspecting residents.
By enforcing the law, the Municipality says it is safeguarding orderly development and protecting legitimate landowners.
