Evicted farm-invading MP back on land
By Alex Bell
13 December 2010
An MP for Somabhula who has been trying to take over the property of an
elderly farming couple, has forced his way back onto the land after being
evicted by the courts earlier this year.
MP Jabulani Mangena has led a campaign of harassment, vandalism and violence
against Philip and Ellen Hapelt and their workers, claiming he has an offer
letter entitling him to their Grasslands farm. Late last year the Hapelts
were brutally beaten by a gang of thugs, in an attack the family believes
was meant to drive them from their farm.
The Hapelts many years ago voluntarily gave up the majority of their land
for the sake of ‘reform’, under an agreement that would allow them to remain
on their homestead with a small portion of farming land. They already have
two court orders that entitle them to live on the farm without fear of
invasion or persecution, and in September Mangena was finally evicted after
numerous eviction orders.
But Mangena is once again openly disregarding the courts and this weekend
returned to the property, threatening the couple for not leaving the farm.
The couple’s daughter Lauren told SW Radio Africa by text message on Sunday
that Mangena “has invaded the Hapelts’ farm in direct contravention of the
court order evicting him from the farm.” Lauren also wrote: “My folks are
very scared.”
Lauren on Monday explained what happened, detailing how Mangena and his
“henchman” broke onto the property while the Hapelts were at church. The MP
started moving his cattle and workers back onto the farm, after breaking
down a fence. When asked who gave him permission to return after being
evicted in September, he told the Hapelts “I gave myself permission.”
The Hapelts have asked the police for assistance, but Lauren explained that
the police refuse to get involved in what they call a ‘political situation’.
Lauren said her family are going to explore the full legal route again,
including trying to get another eviction order. But she said without the
police’s support, an eviction won’t take place.
“My parents are not coping well, they’re devastated. They are frightened for
themselves and for their workers, and they just want to carry on their lives
as normal,” Lauren said.