By Celani Sikhakhane
- A dispute between the municipality and the Shezi clan over land ownership has left residents homeless just before Christmas.
- Businessman Mfundo Gamede says the court case is only resuming in February but officials destroyed his property anyway.
A land dispute has turned into a holiday nightmare for residents in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
On Wednesday, the Nkandla Municipality sent bulldozers into Mthiyakho village in Ward 11.
Seven houses, including a business property, were crushed to the ground.
The demolition happened during cold, rainy weather. Families were left screaming and praying as they watched their homes being destroyed.
The joy of the upcoming Christmas week has been shattered.
Businessman Mfundo Gamede told Scrolla.Africa that his property was torn down, leaving his tenants stranded in the cold with nowhere to go.
“I bought this land from the traditional leadership of the Shezi clan,” Gamede said.
He claims he followed all the proper processes to get the land in 2017.
“I was shocked when the municipality sent a letter of eviction to my father whilst the land is owned by me,” he said. “They came and demolished my business property and left my tenants in the cold weather without anywhere to go.”
The destruction is part of a long fight between the municipality and the Shezi clan.
The municipality claims the land belongs to them. The clan argues it is the land of their forefathers. The dispute started in 2016 and is currently before the court.
Gamede says the court ordered that no new buildings should be erected until the matter returns to court in February. He is shocked that existing homes were targeted now.
He is rushing to his lawyers to try and stop the municipality from destroying more homes. There are 52 households in the village, and fear is spreading.
Attempts to reach the municipality were unsuccessful. Spokesperson Bongiwe Zuma did not answer calls or messages.
Pictured above: The rubble left after the Nkandla Municipality demolished properties.
Image source: Supplied
