Court Restores Farmer’s Land After Illegal Invasion in Mbombela

led under scrutiny, as the court found their actions to be unlawful and their claims unsubstantiated. Acting Deputy Judge President Takalani Ratshibvumo clarified that while traditional councils play a crucial role in local governance, their authority does not permit the violent disruption of lawful possession.

The judgment reinstates John Mandla Lubisi’s possession of the property, marking a significant victory for individual landholders and reinforcing the principle that disputes over land must be resolved legally, not through force. The court ordered the respondents to vacate the property immediately and refrain from further interference.

This case underscores the broader challenges in Mpumalanga, where overlapping claims of authority among traditional councils and municipal bodies often lead to disputes. It highlights the tension between historical land practices and modern legal frameworks, as South Africa continues to grapple with the legacy of land dispossession and its resolution.