13 suspected property hijackers arrested following raid at 8 hijacked properties in Turffontein
The operation was led by the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services Unit (GFIS) in conjunction with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
THIRTEEN suspected property hijackers were arrested in the early hours of December 13, following a raid at eight hijacked properties in Turffontein.
The purpose of the raid was to execute warrants of arrests against property hijackers and trespassers at three properties including No 47A Ferreira Street, No 106 Great Britain Street and No 103 Ferreira Street.
The operation was led by the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services Unit (GFIS) in conjunction with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
The suspects are expected to appear in the Johannesburg’s Magistrate’s Court. They will be charged for contravening Section 3 (1) of the PIE ACT, trespassing and malicious damage to property.
About 832 properties are confirmed to be hijacked in Johannesburg; 34 properties that were previously in the hands of hijackers have been handed back to the rightful owners.
Operation Buya Mthetho remains determined to ensure that the rule of law returns to our communities. Criminals must know that they might run but there is no place for them to hide in Johannesburg.
The rundown buildings across the city are an opportunity to convert them into affordable accommodation, social housing and affordable small business premises.
City of Joburg executive mayor Clr Herman Mashaba said, “I’m committed to getting to the bottom of the rot that has infested the inner city and make it a safe and inclusive place for our people to live work and play. I encourage people to report any fraud and corruption activities through our 24-hour tip-off hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the offices of GFIS situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.”
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Get regular news updates sent directly to your inbox: Newsletter-Signup
