Written by, Shirley Govender
Responding to deepening concerns by residents about the alleged land invasions unfolding since yesterday, this office reached out to JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla, to talk us through the City’s intervention unfolding now on the K43.
This is his statement: The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) is aware of the situation and is active on site along the K43 near Lenasia / Roodepoort Farm.
JMPD officers are currently assisting the City’s Department of Human Settlements, which is leading Phase 1 of a structured two-phase operation:
- Phase 1 (Verification & Auditing): Human Settlements is actively conducting a verification process to audit the existing informal settlement at Roodepoort Farm. While this auditing phase is underway—and despite ongoing attempts by trespassers to peg new land—the area is being strictly monitored.
- Phase 2 (Immediate Removal of Unlawful Structures): Once the verification process concludes, JMPD units will execute Phase 2. Officers will immediately remove and clear all newly placed demarcations, pegs, and unoccupied or half-built illegal structures.
- Court Order & Full Eviction Operation: For established structures, the City will require a court order to give law enforcement the full legal authorisation to carry out a comprehensive eviction and clearance operation.
JMPD units will maintain a continuous, highly visible presence to monitor the corridor, deter further encroachments, and prevent new illegal land grabs while legal proceedings run their course.
City of Johannesburg Position on Land Invasions
The City maintains a strict zero-tolerance stance on illegal land invasions and unauthorised land occupations:
- Law and Order: Land grabbing is an illegal act that disrupts urban planning, compromises public safety, and delays structured municipal housing developments.
- Proactive Enforcement: Through joint operations involving JMPD, SAPS, and Human Settlements, the City monitors high-risk corridors to prevent illegal demarcations from turning into permanent settlements.
- Resource Protection: Unauthorised land occupations divert critical public services and endanger long-term infrastructure investment across the municipality.
Incident Reporting Guide & Emergency Contacts for Residents
Residents who observe active plot pegging, land demarcation, or illegal building activity along the K43 corridor are strongly advised not to engage or confront trespassers directly. Please report all occurrences immediately using the official channels below:
Primary Emergency & Reporting Channels
- JMPD General Command & Call Centre (24/7):011 375 5911
- Anti-Land Invasion Toll-Free Line:0800 120 555
- SAPS Emergency Dispatch:10111(or 112 from any mobile phone)
Please note this is a developing story. My team will update accordingly.
