The battle against illegally occupied buildings embarked on since the beginning of the year in the Germiston CBD is continuing relentlessly.
The periodic special operations are aimed at identifying those responsible for “renting” out these buildings (which are squalid) at a fee to people who are desperate for accommodation.
They are also held to ensure that the buildings are not being used as havens for criminals and the concealing of stolen goods and vehicles.
The combined forces of EMPD Specialised Units and precinct officers and SAPS Crime Intelligence members raided Roxy Court, situated on Voortrekker Road between President and Meyer streets, last Tuesday, between 7.30pm and 10pm.
All the 75 rooms including those found locked were searched.
On the third floor, a 20-year-old male who claimed he is from the Eastern Cape was arrested when found in possession of 96 ziplock bags of dagga valued at R2 000.
As compared to the two previous hijacked buildings raided, Roxy Court was found to be neat with clean running water and electricity.
In several rooms though, electricity was found to be illegally connected.
The Chief of Police, Isaac Jabu Mapiyeye who was part of the operation, commended the officers’ efforts in these operations aimed at cleaning up the metro.
“I am satisfied with the progress made thus far as important information has been gathered that will assist in eventually resolving the challenge of bad buildings, as well as the incidental results of their existence,” Mapiyeye said.
“The aim is not to be inhumane and evict tenants but to assess how habitable the buildings are and to safeguard them from being invaded by any form of criminality.”
The Chief of Police further stated that although it is anticipated that the process will be protracted and tough, it is expected that the war will eventually be won throughout the metro.
Two houses situated on the corner of Victoria and Linton Jones streets, not far from Roxy Court, were also raided.
Illegal electricity connections were detected at both these houses.
Written warnings were issued and the occupants were instructed to ensure that within seven days the illegal connections were removed.
ALSO READ:
EMPD blitz on hijacked buildings continues
EMPD and SAPS target hijacked buildings in Germiston
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.zaor Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
