Issued by: The Ministry of Land Affairs
"It has come to my attention that there are some unscrupulous people who are taking undue advantage of Government's restitution programme and are engaged in illegal activities in selling plots of land to prospective claimants. Cases have also been reported of individuals who are encouraging claimants to occupy privately owned land without the permission of the land owner and without going through the land restitution process.
"This situation is of extreme concern to me, because it not only creates a false sense of ownership amongst the purchasers of these fraudulent certificates, but also undermines the legitimate process of restitution. Such actions severely prejudice the interests of those communities and individuals who have followed the correct procedures of application and negotiation. They are now subjected to even more uncertainty as to whether they will be successful in their land claims.
"Transgressors occupying private land without authority, illegally allocating or selling land or who are involved in intimidation of present owners as well as possible claimants, will be subject to the course of law. I strongly condemn such conduct. Anybody with knowledge of such irregularities is requested to report it to the police immediately.
"The same principles apply to state land.
"We understand the impatience of those who lost their land. However, a fair process has been set in motion, even though it may take some time. This process is the only way in which the sensitive and difficult issue of restitution can fairly and effectively be dealt with."
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF LAND AFFAIRS, PRETORIA, 31 JULY 1995