Tensions Erupt Near Makhanda As Land Invasion Dispersed With Rubber Bullets And Stun Grenades

A standoff between land invaders and law enforcement erupted near Makhanda in the Eastern Cape over the weekend, as more than a thousand people from surrounding informal settlements attempted to occupy a vacant plot of land along the R67.

The land, once used as a golf practice range, was swiftly claimed by residents who began marking out plots and bringing in materials to erect makeshift homes.

The Makana Local Municipality responded by dispatching Executive Mayor Yandiswa Vara to the site. She urged protestors to halt construction and explained that the land had been designated for future business developments.

“The residents were advised to form a committee which would formally engage with the municipality on a way forward on the need for housing developments,” said municipal spokesperson Anele Mjekula.

Despite the mayor’s appeal, tensions escalated when protestors refused to leave the area. Police intervened to prevent further illegal occupation.

Police Use Rubber Bullets and Stun Grenades to Disperse Protestors

When protestors began blocking roads with burning tyres and pelting rocks at officers, police resorted to crowd-control tactics. “Members from public order policing had to use rubber bullets and stun grenades to disorientate violent crowds,” explained Eastern Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli.

By Monday, police had dispersed the protestors and brought the situation under control. Authorities reported no injuries. While the municipality estimated the number of land invaders at over 1,000, police said about 200 were involved in the unrest. No arrests had been made by Tuesday morning, though a case of land invasion was opened.

“Police have since deployed members from specialised units such as public order policing to monitor and handle the situation,” Nkohli added.

Housing Crisis at the Heart of the Uprising in Makhanda

The protest highlighted growing frustration over the housing shortage in the area. The Unemployed Peoples Movement (UPM), which has been supporting the protestors, criticised the Makana Municipality for failing to address long-standing housing issues in Joza and Empolweni.

“Many of the people here attempting to create homes have been on housing waiting lists for years. Some were even accepted to receive formal RDP houses,” said UPM spokesperson Babalwa Budaza. She condemned the use of force against the demonstrators, calling the police’s actions “deeply troubling.”

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Budaza accused the municipality of neglecting its responsibility to provide shelter: “The municipality has chosen to suppress the most basic human need — the need for shelter. The municipality’s failure to deliver housing has directly contributed to the rise of Empolweni.”

While the municipality has signalled a willingness to continue discussions, Budaza expressed scepticism: “Promises have been made and broken. They haven’t built any houses in an extremely long time.”

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