Mayor leads raid on illegal settlers in Fourways

Seventeen undocumented individuals have been arrested and one person has been taken into custody for drug-related offences during a joint operation to remove an illegal informal settlement in Fourways.

The operation, which took place early this morning (July 25) was led by Executive Mayor Dada Morero alongside the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), SAPS, and the Department of Home Affairs, aiming to enforce by-laws and address rising crime in the area.

Speaking during the operation, Morero said the raid was part of the city’s commitment to restoring law and order in areas plagued by crime and illegal land occupation. “We are here to deal with this informal settlement. It’s illegal. There’s a lot of undocumented and illegal foreigners, and there’s a lot of crime.

Also read: City cracks down on illegal informal settlements in Fourways

@caxtonjoburgnorth Mayor Dada Morero promises Fourways residents that sooner, rather than later, there would be no informal settlements in the area. He said the removal of the informal settlement has been proven to create a safer environment for the residents in the area. Video: Ayanda Ntshingila. #caxtonlocalmedia #caxtonlocalnews #fourwaysreview #gingerpark #clayoven #dadamorero #jhbmayor ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“Gradually, we want to clear the lawlessness, so that we can restore law and order in our city. That’s what we are doing.”

The operation included dismantling illegal structures, checking documentation, and addressing criminal activities. Morero explained that the city is working within the legal framework, and is in the process of obtaining court orders for further actions in the area, while also seeking alternative accommodation options for South African citizens affected by the closure.

JMPD Chief of Police Patrick Jaca confirmed that 17 undocumented nationals were arrested, while JMPD and SAPS officers also demolished seven illegally erected structures as part of the operation. “We are here because of crime issues raised by people around here. During the operation, we found undocumented nationals. 17 of them were taken in and one person was arrested for drugs.

@caxtonjoburgnorth JMPD Chief of Police Patrick Jaca confirms 17 undocumented arrests and drug bust during Fourways informal settlement operation. Video: Ayanda Ntshingila #gingerpark #jmpd #clayoven #caxtonlocalmedia #fyp #fypシ゚ ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Also read: MEC Ramokgopa meets Lonehill residents over Clay Oven and Ginger Park informal settlements

“As by-law enforcement officers, it’s also our responsibility to prevent illegal structures from being erected, which is why we demolished seven structures this morning.”

MEC of Agricultural and Rural Development in Gauteng Vuyiswa Ramokgopa said she is happy that the residents in Fourways got to see real action. This is after she took a sit-down with them a few weeks ago to listen to their grievances, promising to leverage her position to put pressure on addressing the ongoing struggle with the informal settlements in Fourways.

Also read: City has no plans yet for Fourways Informal Settlements

“We are happy that the mayor was able to listen during our meeting and acted upon what we told him about through this operation. This is a win for the residents and we look forward to having more of these by-law enforcement operations.”

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