Lawyers roped in to unmask Okashana 'land grabber politicians'
Communal farmers in the Okashana kUukongo waNehale area of the Oshikoto Region are calling for the Ondonga Traditional Authority (OTA) to provide proof of land allocations amid growing concerns over illegal fencing and land grabs allegedly by prominent politicians and businesspeople.
Through their lawyer Florian Beukes of Metcalfe & Beukes Attorneys, the farmers have demanded the OTA disclose the identities of those involved in the alleged land grabbing. They claim that substantial portions of communal land have been unlawfully appropriated, severely impacting their livelihoods.
In a letter dated 11 December, the farmers gave the OTA chairperson, John Walenga, 21 working days to respond.
"These allocations were made without consultation with the affected communities. Our clients have been deprived of access to communal land, which is essential for their survival. Unauthorized fencing has obstructed critical access to water resources, grazing paths, and cattle posts. This fencing has also forced livestock into hazardous conditions, such as main roads, leading to accidents and significant hardship for our clients," said Beukes.
The letter also demanded detailed information regarding the rights allocated under the Communal Land Reform Act, including the identities of the beneficiaries.
"We respectfully request specifics on the rights that have been allocated, along with the particulars of each allocation. Kindly provide the names of individuals granted these rights and copies of the relevant applications and approvals," the letter stated.
The farmers have also written to the Oshikoto Communal Land Board, which previously informed them in a letter dated 20 September 2024, that preliminary investigations were underway.
"We seek an update on the progress of the investigation. Additionally, to address our clients' concerns effectively, we request information and documentation on specific land allocations or rights awarded under the Communal Land Reform Act within the communal grazing land. Please provide the names of individuals allocated these rights and copies of the corresponding applications and approvals," their follow-up letter read.
In response, Walenga confirmed that the OTA had received the farmers' letter and had instructed its lawyers to reply. However, he dismissed the claims as a reiteration of issues previously addressed during a press conference last year.
"These concerns are not new. We addressed them in a press conference last year. However, since they have involved lawyers, we will respond through our legal representatives," Walenga said.
During the press conference, the OTA condemned any behavior by individuals or groups within the Ondonga community that involved taking the law into their own hands. - [email protected]
Through their lawyer Florian Beukes of Metcalfe & Beukes Attorneys, the farmers have demanded the OTA disclose the identities of those involved in the alleged land grabbing. They claim that substantial portions of communal land have been unlawfully appropriated, severely impacting their livelihoods.
In a letter dated 11 December, the farmers gave the OTA chairperson, John Walenga, 21 working days to respond.
"These allocations were made without consultation with the affected communities. Our clients have been deprived of access to communal land, which is essential for their survival. Unauthorized fencing has obstructed critical access to water resources, grazing paths, and cattle posts. This fencing has also forced livestock into hazardous conditions, such as main roads, leading to accidents and significant hardship for our clients," said Beukes.
The letter also demanded detailed information regarding the rights allocated under the Communal Land Reform Act, including the identities of the beneficiaries.
"We respectfully request specifics on the rights that have been allocated, along with the particulars of each allocation. Kindly provide the names of individuals granted these rights and copies of the relevant applications and approvals," the letter stated.
The farmers have also written to the Oshikoto Communal Land Board, which previously informed them in a letter dated 20 September 2024, that preliminary investigations were underway.
"We seek an update on the progress of the investigation. Additionally, to address our clients' concerns effectively, we request information and documentation on specific land allocations or rights awarded under the Communal Land Reform Act within the communal grazing land. Please provide the names of individuals allocated these rights and copies of the corresponding applications and approvals," their follow-up letter read.
In response, Walenga confirmed that the OTA had received the farmers' letter and had instructed its lawyers to reply. However, he dismissed the claims as a reiteration of issues previously addressed during a press conference last year.
"These concerns are not new. We addressed them in a press conference last year. However, since they have involved lawyers, we will respond through our legal representatives," Walenga said.
During the press conference, the OTA condemned any behavior by individuals or groups within the Ondonga community that involved taking the law into their own hands. - [email protected]
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