A total of 32 undocumented persons were arrested in the early hours of this morning following a crime prevention operation at two hijacked properties in Morningside Manor, Sandton.
This is according to a statement released by Mayor Herman Mashaba who said that two properties were targeted including 18 Gary Avenue where 11 undocumented persons were arrested and 122 Kelvin Drive where 21 were arrested.
“The suspects are expected to appear in court on 12 December. Immigration officers from the Department of Home Affairs will process the suspects to ascertain relevant information,” said Mashaba who explained that the operation was led by the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services Unit in conjunction with the South African Police Service, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Department of Home Affairs and the local Residents’ Association.
“It is essential that we bring back the rule of law to our City and take it back from the criminal elements such as landlords who take advantage of desperate people and house them under deplorable conditions,” he said.
About 832 properties are confirmed to be hijacked in Johannesburg and 34 properties that were previously in the hands of hijackers have been handed back to the rightful owners.
The Residents’ Association has undertaken to provide security to both properties.
“I want to see rundown buildings turned into quality low-cost housing for our residents and affordable rental spaces for small businesses. We are therefore committed to ensuring that we stop the rot in our inner city and make it a prosperous and inclusive place for our people to live, work and play.”
Mashaba would like to encourage people to report any fraud and corruption activities through the 24-hour tip-off hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the offices of GFIS situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.
Do you know of any hijacked properties? Share your stories with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page
