Seems similar tactic played out in the US with the Bundy ranch land grab. 

What the expropriation of Akkerland Boerdery is really about - AfriForum & Co.

"........employ land reform as pretext to hide the real motives behind expropriation: That the government wants to lay its hands on coal reserves under the surface of these farms to facilitate expansion of the Chinese government’s economic interests in South Africa.

The organisations pointed out that Chinese government-controlled companies were planning development to the value of $10 billion in the Musina-Makhado special economic zone (SEZ), in which Akkerland falls. Exploration by the controversial Coal of Africa on Akkerland indicates that the farm’s coal is suitable for use in power stations and steel factories. ...."

http://www.politicsweb.co.za/documents/what-the-expropriation-of-akkerland-boerdery-is-re