SA trumped by lawlessness

Wholesale violation of property rights happens daily in South Africa, although not in the manner depicted in US President Donald Trump's vocal concerns about our country.

- Martin Williams

Johannesburg is replete with examples. Without recourse to acts of parliament or the constitution, there are people who take over property to which they have no right.

From hundreds of hijacked buildings in central Johannesburg, to suburban homes and publicly owned parks, property is confiscated - in the sense of being commandeered.

There is no compensation.

There is no lofty discussion about the meaning of legalistic clauses. Hijackers simply move in, violating laws and bylaws.

Right now, the City of Joburg's Public Open Spaces Bylaw is up for review. In the absence of effective enforcement, there is something futile about the review exercise.

I have pursued this for years. One previous Johannesburg chief of police did not respond to my written questions about why the Public Open Spaces Bylaw was not enforced.