By Celani Sikhakhane
A land dispute between the traditional leader of the Mkhize clan in Hammarsdale, west of Durban, and the eThekwini municipality has reached the Durban High Court.
The conflict came after the city attempted to take land belonging to individuals living under Inkosi Duke Mkhize of Mophela. The city claims it bought the land for R32-million.
Inkosi Mkhize told Scrolla.Africa that he took legal action after city officials arrived on the land and attempted to remove residents.
“We questioned them about how they acquired the land, as I am the custodian of this land under the Ingonyama Trust,” Mkhize said. “Their inability to provide a clear explanation raised suspicion, as I would be notified if my land was being sold.”
Jabulani Maphumulo, one of the affected residents, told Scrolla.Africa that he bought his portion of land in 2020, following all proper procedures with the Ingonyama Trust Board.
“I acquired the land for R10,000 through a cow fee,” Maphumulo said.
“The Mkhize traditional council provided me with an ITB 2 form, which I then submitted to the Ingonyama Trust Board. They approved the purchase with an ITB 1 form and even sent a land surveyor to demarcate the property. I intended to use the land for business purposes and to create job opportunities in the rural community.”
However, Peter Gilmore of the economic development unit in eThekwini, claims the city purchased the land first, for R32-million.
“The land was acquired under the leadership of the previous Mkhize clan leader, EB Mkhize,” he said. “The purchase was approved by the former Ingonyama Trust Board chairperson, Jerome Ngwenya.”
Both parties submitted their arguments to the court on Thursday, and the case is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday 12 March.
Pictured above: Inkosi Duke Maphumulo will face the eThekwini municipality in the Durban High Court over a land dispute.
Image source: Supplied
