Xaba pushes for special courts to tackle land invasions and hijacked properties

By Charmaine Ndlela

eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba has called for the establishment of special courts to deal with land invasions and hijacked properties, in a move aimed at strengthening the fight against property-related crime.

Xaba has formally approached Justice Minister Mamoloko Kubayi to consider the proposal, with the minister agreeing to meet and discuss the matter further.

The mayor has also instructed the city manager to assemble a team to develop a consolidated proposal for submission to the ministry.

According to Xaba, the proposal is driven by growing frustration among property owners who struggle to reclaim their land and buildings once they have been taken over by criminal syndicates.

“This process requires court supervision, which does not come cheap. In many townships and suburbs, properties are still registered in the names of original owners who are now deceased. The problem is compounded by the fact that many did not leave