In terms of the court order‚ anyone commencing or continuing to erect/ occupy the farm number 924 area in East London is interdicted and restrained. The order also empowers police to take all necessary and reasonable steps to dismantle or demolish any structure erected illegally on the property.
Ngwenya said that government policy and subsequent action on land invasion issues was very clear particularly on demarcated land.
“We are committed in protecting our natural resources including the protected forest and ensuring that national government is able to expand the East London airport in order to grow the City socio-economically and attract investment towards developing the City.
“These land invasions are standing in the way of that.
“We strongly condemn them and we would like to send a strong warning to those who have undertaken this illegal act that they have taken a very bad gamble.
“Illegal land invasion is a crime – and like all crimes‚ the law is very clear on what results could be‚ including demolitions.”
Ngwenya added that any rumours that the occupation of the land around the airport had been sanctioned by government was totally untrue.