The Msunduzi Municipality has promised to take a strong stand against an invasion of privately-owned land at Mkondeni, where hundreds of people - many driving luxury cars - continued to stake illegal claims for the third day on Tuesday.
How the people came to be there under the apparent impression that it is "free land" up for grabs remains unclear.
So far no action has been taken against the invaders. The mayoral office issued a statement condemning the invasion and promising action, following an emergency meeting on Tuesday afternoon between Deputy Mayor Mervin Dirks, affected landowners and officials from the African National Congress and the council.
"The ANC, as the leading party in the Msunduzi Municipality, wants to send out a very clear message to the public that we will not support any kind of land invasion, whether by homeless people or whosoever.
"We do not have sympathy for land invaders, whether on council land or private property. We believe that private property rights need to be respected and protected. Therefore we will not tolerate land invasion," the statement said.
It added that Msunduzi was embarking on a programme to address housing needs.
"Currently there are 27 housing projects which have delivered 25 000 units to date. New projects are under way and will deliver another 8 000 units. Therefore there is no need for anyone to invade municipal or private land."
It was resolved at the meeting that landowners would lay charges of trespassing and obtain court orders preventing people from invading their land, after which the situation would be jointly addressed.
A meeting was also due to take place with land invaders on Wednesday to "clarify ownership of the land with them and resolve the matter legally and peacefully".
Businessman Lance Hackney, speaking for one of the landowners, Russel Collins, confirmed charges had been laid with the police immediately after Tuesday's meeting.
Police Inspector Joey Jeevan had earlier said that officers could not act unless the landowners secured a court order.
"If there is a court order the police would assist the sheriff to carry out the evictions."
Jeevan said the Public Order Police Unit was patrolling the area and monitoring developments.
Simphiwe Mxakaza, of the Land Claims Commission, said he expected to be fully briefed about the status of the land being invaded by Wednesday.
He had been informed that some of the land was subject to a land claim and the commission was involved in negotiations to buy the land on behalf of a dispossessed community.
"But it seems that the people moving on to the land are not part of that claimant community," he said.
On Tuesday about 100 vehicles - including Mercedes-Benz cars and 4x4s - were parked on a field or moving in and out of the area, many laden with building material.