Illegal sale of municipal land blamed for Randhart land invasion in Alberton

An investigation is under way into multiple properties in Randhart, Alberton, over alleged bylaw and building regulation violations, as residents complain that municipal land is being sold illegally and invaded.

Shacks and other structures have mushroomed in Randhart Extension 2 and surrounding areas in the Ekurhuleni metro, with residents raising concerns about land invasion and irregular water and electricity connections.

Rudolf Herbst, a Freedom Front Plus councillor in Ekurhuleni, said he was contacted by Alberton residents who reported that people were illegally erecting structures on municipal land and connecting to water and electricity services. He is calling on the authorities to investigate and arrest those allegedly selling the land to unsuspecting buyers.

Herbst said the Ekurhuleni real estate department escalated a Randhart Extension 2 land invasion matter to the Gauteng department of infrastructure and development on 20 February this year, and that the matter was later referred to the department's risk management unit. By 10 September, 202 days had passed since the documented escalation and the problem was worsening, he said.

During a visit to the area, Herbst said he witnessed building work, boundary construction, water meter installations and irregular service connections. He recorded identifiable meter serial numbers, including meters installed on erven that appeared vacant on the city's geographic information system.

Herbst also said equipment marked "Joburg Water" was observed on site, while an apparent electricity connection was found at the base of a streetlight pole. Residents have reported that Ekurhuleni officials visited some of the affected areas and disconnected meters or connections regarded as irregular.