City of Johannesburg officials have intensified their crackdown on illegal operations in Alexandra, uncovering a property along 3rd Street near Pan Africa Shopping Centre that has been linked to gambling, prostitution, and zoning violations.

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During the raid, led by MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tshwaku on March 4, tensions escalated when a man armed with a firearm tried to stop officials from conducting their operation. Tactical units were called in to disarm him and seize the weapon. Tshwaku confirmed that the firearm was handed over to JMPD.

“Normally, what we do is that we take the firearm to the police station, and he must produce the gun licence. If he does not have it with him, that firearm will stay with the police up until he produces it,” he said. He added that the weapon would undergo ballistics testing to determine if it was linked to other cases under investigation.

Inside the property, officials discovered small rooms fitted with mattresses, reportedly used for prostitution. During a previous inspection, no women were found, but this time, at least eight young women, the youngest just 23, were discovered hiding at the back of the suspected brothel. They were privately questioned and later released.

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Regional director Thaba Makgafela said the property had long resisted compliance. “We have tried before to issue the property owner with a letter, but we received some resistance in the past. But today they were able to issue them with the letter that indicates that the current activities that are taking place in that property are not authorised.”

The letter gives the property owner until March 27 to comply with zoning regulations. “Failing which, the development planning department will impose penalty rates which are 12 times the property’s value. So, if your rates and taxes are about R1m, you will then be liable to pay R12m,” Makgafela explained.

Emergency Management Services (EMS) also issued a secondary notice for failing to comply with fire safety regulations. Officials revealed that what was registered as an internet café on the property was currently operating as a gambling facility, with more than 20 computers used for online betting. EMS ordered the property closed until it complies with regulations.

Makgafela stressed that the violations stem from the property owner’s failure to ensure lawful use. “It is an illegal land use as it is. Even if operators attempted compliance, zoning restrictions would prevent the pub from continuing its current activities.”

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