Greater Tzaneen Municipality Demolishes Over 65 Illegal Houses in Muhlava Location

Tzaneen, Limpopo – The Greater Tzaneen Municipality has begun demolishing houses illegally constructed on municipal land in Muhlava Location, as part of a long-term township development initiative. Since Monday, more than 65 of over 80 identified structures have been removed.

Court Order Authorizes Demolitions

Municipal spokesperson Neville Ndlala confirmed that the demolitions are carried out under a Polokwane High Court order obtained last week, authorizing the municipality to remove unlawful occupants.

“This is the execution of a court order we have been working on since 2022. The land in question is municipal property, earmarked for township development, yet people built despite repeated warnings,” Ndlala told Phalaphala FM.

Warnings Ignored by Residents

According to the municipality, multiple warnings had been issued prior to the demolitions. These included:

• Notice boards erected on the land
• Public alerts through local media
• Repeated cautionary notices advising residents not to buy or build on the area illegally

Despite these measures, several individuals went ahead with construction, prompting legal action and subsequent demolition.

Moving Forward with Township Development

Ndlala stressed that while the municipality sympathizes with affected families, the land is municipal property and cannot be occupied illegally. Investigations are ongoing into individuals responsible for the illegal sale of state land, including attempts to defend such sales in court.

The cleared area will now be used for the planned township development, marking a step toward structured urban planning in Muhlava Location.