The Western Cape land claims office has received complaints from claimants who were informed by officials that they had to join a particular political party if they wanted to have their land claims settled, according to a statement.
The incidents came to light after a member of the public submitted a claim at the Mowbray Lodgement Office in the Western Cape. The problem appears to be widespread in areas such Nyanga, Langa, Elsiesriver, Khayelitsha, Atlantis and Salt River.
Michael Worsnip, chief director for Land Restitution Support in the Western Cape, appealed to all prospective claimants not to fall victim to bogus officials.
“The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights is not answerable to individual political parties,” said Worsnip.
He added that claimants do not have to belong to any specific political party to lodge a claim.