Tensions are rising in the Mariba community as beneficiaries of the Mariba Land Development Trust demand the return of their land, accusing the Boshoek Police Station commander of illegally occupying their farm and conducting unauthorized game farming.
The trust, established to support elderly and small-scale farmers, claims the officer has refused to vacate the property despite repeated requests. The land was purchased by the government as part of the land restitution program and allocated to the trust for agricultural development.
A Broken Promise?
According to trust members, the station commander was supposed to leave the farm in July last year after discussions in April 2023. However, he allegedly refused, citing the need to relocate his game animals.
“We allocated this land to a group of elderly farmers with small cattle herds to develop the trust,” said a frustrated member. “But he won’t move, claiming he’s keeping his game here. As a law enforcement officer, he should not be doing this.”
The trustees insist the occupation is hindering their development plans, leaving them feeling abandoned by the state. “We can’t even open cases at his police station because we fear retaliation,” one member added.
Legal Response
In response, the officer’s legal representative denied any dispute over the trust’s ownership of the farm. The attorney stated their client has always intended to leave once his animals are removed and dismissed allegations of abuse of power as “unfounded and baseless.”
Meanwhile, the North West police have warned against vigilantism, emphasizing that the dispute is a private contractual matter. “Acts of lawlessness will not be tolerated,” police said, urging community members to follow legal procedures.
What’s Next?
With trust members demanding proof of ownership or immediate eviction, the standoff highlights broader challenges in land restitution and accountability. As the community waits for resolution, the case raises questions about the role of officials in land disputes and the delays faced by beneficiaries seeking justice.
