Law enforcement clamps down on “crime house”
The house could have been "hijacked" by illegal immigrants
Law enforcement officials were up in arms as they raided a house that was suspected to be used for illegal operations.
The house is overcrowed by immigrants living in the house in really bad conditions.
Officials were told that the house was also used for criminal activities such as drug dealings, kidnapping and rape.
Three people who could not show documents of being legally in the country, were arrested.
Upon arrival at the house tenants started to fight the officials, others managed to run away.
After a search done by the officials, tenants were told to take their valuables out as the house will be locked and anyone in it will be arrested for trespassing.
Mr Petrus Silinda from the Department of Development and Planning said that the visit was a part of Operation Hlanzeka and that they are trying to reclaim eMalahleni’s property back.
“We are dealing with land use prescriptions. We cannot have a house which was built to house one family, now housing over 10 people. In this house, there were a lot of open electrical sockets, which is a safety hazard. There was also running water which was wasted. The house has been poorly maintained and it can be seen as one of the reasons why the municipality is in debt,” said Silinda.
Several attempts were made by the law enforcement officials to reach the owner of the house, yet no response was received. The officials will continue to search and solve the issue of maintenance.
Officials said that this house could have been “hijacked” and the owner could have been threatened by the tenants, as they had already threatened the other neighbours.
READ MORE:
Illegal immigrants found guilty in court
Illegal immigrants get the boot during clean-up operation
Share your news tips via:
Telephone: 013 656 2490
WhatsApp: 060 866 8682
Email: info@witbanknews.co.za
Or follow us on WITBANK NEWS platforms:
