Johannesburg - Hundreds of people have invaded land belonging to the United Reformed Church outside Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, SABC news reported on Tuesday.
Church representatives said the invaders formed a committee which had divided the 57 hectares of land and were selling it for R7 000 per site, the broadcaster said.
The church has already applied for an eviction order which was served on some of the invaders last Friday.
Some people still remained on the land by Wednesday, building in the divided yards.
A member of the invaders' committee, Jonas Ntsabile, claimed rights to the land dating back 150 years.
He disputed selling the land, saying the community was taking back what was taken from them years ago by the Dutch Reformed Church and white farmers.
“It was taken by force and grabbed by missionaries. People have taken the decision to go back and occupy their forefathers' land as beneficiaries. There is no selling of land whatsoever.”
On Monday, another group of people invaded private land in Hilton outside Pietermaritzburg, claiming it belonged to African National Congress Youth League leader Julius Malema.
One of the leaders was allegedly selling off plots, claiming he was entitled to do so because “the land belonged to the Zulu people”.
The Pietermaritzburg High Court has since interdicted the respondent, Philani Bha Ndlovu, or anyone acting for him, from entering the property until finalisation of the matter on November 21. - Sapa