Land-grab turns to theft

Land-grabbers allegedly raided the home of a Pretoria councillor yesterday, making off with a flat-screen TV, a microwave oven, a fridge and a washing machine.

The Economic Freedom Fighters have led a bid to forcibly expropriate land in Pretoria ward 86, in Nellmapius.

After law enforcement destroyed shacks put up on the site , the land-grabbers seemingly turned their attention to the local councillor's house.

A group of about 100 people broke down Precious Marole's gate and front door and loaded several items into two sedans and a bakkie.

Some were seen dividing up Marole's frozen beef patties before throwing the box in the driveway.

Marole was not at home when the group attacked.

Mamelodi police spokesman Captain Mahlahlane Maheso said a case of malicious damage to property, theft and house-breaking was being investigated. He said damage was estimated at R200 000.

No arrests have been made.

Gauteng ANC spokesman Dumisa Ntuli said the EFF must take full responsibility for the robbery.

Said Ntuli: "Police must take action and all those involved in the attack must be arrested. EFF is taking advantage of the people."

EFF member Eddie Mathiba denied that his party was behind the crime, saying: "This was perpetrated by opportunistic criminals who took advantage of the chaos ."

Mathiba said the EFF will co-operate with the police.

Marole could not be reached for comment.

Earlier, the land-grabbers engaged in running battles with metro police, littering the area with rocks, burning tyres and tree branches.

Angered that their shacks were being demolished, the crowd pelted the cops with stones.

The police responded with rubber bullets.

Pretoria Road was closed for about an hour as police cleared it of burning tyres.

EFF chief whip Floyd Shivambu reportedly told journalists in Parliament that there was nothing wrong with the land grab.

Some of those who had come to stake their claim expressed regret that they had.

Mandla Ndala, 39, of Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, said he had been told that EFF leader Julius Malema had bought the land for them.

He said: "I would not have taken a day off, borrowed money and worked in the rain for my shack to be destroyed. I am really angry with the EFF people, but I am more angry with myself for not checking the information."

Metro police spokesman Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said police will continue to monitor the situation.