Govt targets Knoflokskraal syndicates as legal battle looms over Grabouw land occupation

Democratic Alliance (DA) Western Cape leader and provincial MEC for infrastructure Tertuis Simmers has welcomed the national government’s planned action for the Knoflokskraal community near Grabouw, saying it’s about restoring the rule of law.

Simmers said what started as an illegal occupation in 2020 has been exploited for political ends during election time.

Public works minister Dean Macpherson on Tuesday announced his department is headed back to court to stop further expansion of the property.

With over 4000 structures believed to have been erected on government farms between Grabouw and Botriver just off the N2, government officials said engagements with community leadership have not yielded the intended results, and it will now once again ask for the court’s intervention.

Simmers said there are credible reports of embedded criminal syndicates operating from the site, and that land is being sold for as little as R1,500.

"Knoflokskraal is no longer just a land occupation issue. It’s a clear example of what happens when governance and enforcement systems are allowed to weaken over time."

READ: Knoflokskraal community fighting to retain historical land

While premier Alan Winde said there’s been no progress in criminal cases that have been opened due to alleged criminal activity at the site, Simmers said there are far-reaching implications.

"Across the Western Cape, and also linking to abalone smuggling, this is also linked to other organised criminal networks across our province, which is often connected to the broader illicit economy."

Provincial leaders said no land claims have ever been submitted for the property that Knoflokskraal leadership has argued is Khoisan ancestral land.

Simmers has also called into question the legitimacy of those speaking on behalf of the community, saying they are not recognised by law.

Knoflokskraal community leader Eloise Rossouw said she needs more time to properly acquaint herself with government’s next steps before commenting.