Transnet faces legal challenge from Bluff residents over land invasions

Residents of wards 66 and 32 in the Bluff are gearing up to take legal action against Transnet, following what they describe as a persistent and growing influx of illegal land invaders occupying their properties.

The decision comes after community members witnessed a surge in illegal encroachments along key roads, including Benjamin, Station, Hartlepool, and Peacehaven Place.

Local representatives, including attorney Eliessen Schoeman, chairperson of the Bathurst Residents and Ratepayers Association (BRRA), expressed their frustration at the lack of action taken by Transnet to address the issue, which they claim has been ongoing for years.

“The community is very upset as they are being told they cannot do anything while invaders are free to break the law,” Schoeman said in reflecting the mounting tension among residents.

“It got heated at one point.”

Regarding the desperation of the situation, Schoeman proposed that residents give her a mandate as a lawyer to initiate legal proceedings against Transnet.

“I am waiting for the WhatsApp group to be created by the councillor so that I can start engaging with the community to get the legal process underway,” she added.

During a meeting earlier this week, Ward 66 councillor Zoe Solomon informed attendees about recent communications with Transnet.

“Transnet has to act,” she asserted, revealing that the organisation had begun litigation efforts to remove the illegal invaders from their property.

Yet, the councillor acknowledged the limitations of her role, stating, “I have kept the residents abreast of developments with Transnet, but I can't do that on Transnet land.”

Solomon was aware that the situation on Transnet's land was a significant concern for her constituents, with many residents looking for hope in the potential of a class action to offer clarity and a course of action against the encroachments.

During the discussion, it became evident that there was a diverse group of affected residents, some of whom could not attend the meeting.

Community organisations plan to collaborate with Schoeman’s firm to pursue litigation, seeing this as their best alternative moving forward.

However, Solomon warned that until decisive action was taken by the landowners, the invasions may continue unabated.

“I have had no reason to believe that Transnet was not doing as they said they would,” she mentioned, reflecting on her communication with Transnet’s legal representatives.

She pointed out the ongoing challenges: “The issue is that the invaders keep coming.”

Despite these assurances, residents reported that their frustrations were mounting as the encroachment persisted.

“I have asked for permanent security guards on the four access roads,” said Solomon.

Residents remain hopeful that their concerted legal efforts will yield tangible results as they work to safeguard their community from the ongoing threat of illegal land invasions.

Transnet’s spokesperson Ayanda Shezi did not responded at the time of publication.

DAILY NEWS