Members of the South African Police Service arrested a 28-year-old alleged property hijacker in Cleveland on November 9.
Executive mayor of City of Joburg, Clr Herman Mashaba said that he is pleased that three property hijackers have been arrested in less than a week.
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“The arrest follows a sting operation led by the CoJ’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS), the SAPS and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) recently,” said Mashaba.
It is alleged that the suspect hijacked the property in February last year and collected monthly rental of R15 000.
“The total amount collected by the suspect from February 2016 until the end of October 2017 is said to be in the region of R300 000.
“The rightful owner of the property further incurred legal fees totaling R150 000 while trying to obtain an eviction order,” he said.
Mashaba said hijacked properties is a challenge for the city.
“I am pleased with the strides we are making in the fight against criminals who exploit our residents,” he said.
The 28-year-old is expected to appear at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
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