Security company and CPF stop land invasion in its tracks in Carlswald
Swift response by Hawkeye Security director Rajan Pillay ensured the removal of about 20 land grabbers in Carlswald on April 26.
This happened after Pillay received numerous calls, around 17:25, regarding the potential land grab. The land invasion was taking place at the vacant stand on the corner of 6th and Invicta roads – just behind a petrol station.
Pillay said he immediately called for backup from Midrand police and other security partners in the area to remove the land grabbers from the private property, which is fenced off and signed as private property.
Also read: Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, talks transformation in property sector at PPRA transformation event
He said, upon arrival, structures were already being put up by the trespassers. 'The invaders were transported to the property by trucks loaded with equipment. This seemed like a well-planned and co-ordinated invasion by certain individuals or groups, which are being investigated. The structures were taken down and destroyed immediately.'
He said it was a good result, all thanks to the rapid response from his security company, DB security, Community Policing Forum (CPF) members, and members from Jozi Evictions, who helped in removing the trespassers.
Pillay also thanked community members who witnessed the incident and reported it, in a bid to ensure relevant stakeholders get involved and attend to it immediately. 'We urge residents to report any illegal land occupation, or suspicious activities, to the Midrand police and security companies, so they can be investigated immediately,'
Also read: State of the City: Johannesburg mayor pledges better services, power for informal areas
Midrand Sector 2 Crime Forum said: 'Please note that we had an attempted land grab this evening in our sector, but, thanks to several security companies and CPF members, they were dispersed. We ask that residents alert us immediately when they see something like this, so that it can be dealt with before they settle in, whereby it becomes difficult and costly to remove them.'
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