More than sixty land sights belonging to government as well as privately owned land is said to have been sold to unsuspecting people in Lenasia South and Lenasia Extension 13. The Department of Local Government and Housing is conducting an audit on all sights which have been reported to have been stolen and sold to people.
“We want to know the number of properties which have been built in Lanasia. We also want to know on which pieces of land they have built. This is a big issue for us because we want to send a message against anybody who would think of selling government land. We want them to know that they will be arrested and sent to jail. We cannot allow people to do as they wish. There is authority and the rule of law and all of us should abide by the law,” said MEC Kgaogelo Lekgoro.
The department will use the information of the audited land sights to remove those who bought the land illegally. The department will also go to the court to obtain eviction orders as well as the possibility of demolishing illegally build properties on government owned land. Many more people are coming forward with information that would lead to the arrest of the suspects. People are also informing the department about some of the people they know who are staying on completed houses built on government land. Others are coming forward with information about how the operation works and who they were giving money to. The department is forwarding all the relevant information to the police. Community members who have more information to assist the investigation can contact Colonel Maleka on 079 495 4495 or send him an SMS.
The Department of Local Government and Housing Anti Fraud and Corruption Unit, is working closely with the police to follow all leads which would lead to an eventual arrest of the suspects.
For more information please contact:
Fred Mokoko
Cell: 082 447 8407
Tel: 011 355 4013
E-mail: Fred.Mokoko@gauteng.gov.za
