We, the undersigned residents of Krugersdorp, urgently bring to your attention the escalating issues within the Kenmare Kloof conservation area, which is under the jurisdiction of the Mogale City Local Municipality. Despite several previous communications and meetings with municipal officials, deterioration of the situation is accelerating, adversely affecting our community's safety, well-being, and the environment.

Key Concerns:

Illegal Squatting:
Unauthorized individuals have established encampments within the Kloof, leading to:

·         Poaching of wildlife

·         Destruction of protected flora

·         Pollution of the Muldersdrift–se-Loop, which is a major source of the Crocodile River

·         Suspected involvement in criminal activities, including electrical cable theft, break-ins, and property vandalism

Unauthorized Rituals and Ceremonies:
During weekends, large groups, ever increasing in size, gather in the Kloof to perform rituals involving loud chanting and shouting throughout the night, resulting in:

·         Disturbance of peace for surrounding residents

·         Violation of multiple municipal by-laws

These groups also make large open fires, often with wood from the protected trees in the Kloof resulting in:

·         Fire risk to the Fauna and Flora of the Kloof and to residents on the periphery of the Kloof

·         Further contributing to the destruction of the protected flora and its habitat

These activities not only breach municipal by-laws but also compromise the ecological integrity of the Kenmare Kloof and the safety of our community.

Our Requests:

We respectfully demand the following actions:

Immediate Enforcement: Deploy law enforcement to address illegal activities within the Kloof, including the removal of squatters and prevention of unauthorized gatherings.
Regular Monitoring: Establish routine patrols to deter future violations and ensure the conservation area's protection.
Community Engagement: Facilitate a meeting between senior municipal officials and community representatives to develop a collaborative strategy for the Kloof's preservation and safety.

We emphasize that failure to address these concerns promptly will compel the community to explore legal avenues to protect ourselves and our heritage, the Kenmare Kloof.

We trust that you will treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and look forward to your prompt response.