Mass arrests and shutdowns in Joburg CBD as police target hijacked buildings

A large-scale, co-ordinated law enforcement operation led by Johannesburg district commissioner Major General Nonhlanhla Kubheka resulted in the arrest of 181 people and the closure of five illegal liquor outlets in the city’s CBD on July 5.

The multi-disciplinary effort, spearheaded by the SAPS, was done in collaboration with several key agencies, including the departments of Home Affairs and Social Development, the JMPD, the Gauteng Traffic Police, CPF members, City Power and local patrollers.

The operation began with a parade of all the participating units before teams dispersed across Joburg’s CBD and Moffatview, targeting nine hijacked and dilapidated buildings previously declared unfit for human occupation.

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Of the 181 arrests, 150 were of undocumented foreign nationals. Other arrests were for offences ranging from possession of drugs and unlicensed firearms to assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and robbery.

The authorities inspected 11 liquor outlets during the operation, closing five for failing to comply with regulations under the Liquor Act.

Officers also confiscated an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, crystal meth and nyaope, liquor and an undisclosed amount of cash suspected to be from illicit activity.

“All arrested suspects will appear in court today [July 7],” the SAPS confirmed in a statement.

Kubheka commended the seamless collaboration among agencies and reaffirmed the SAPS’ commitment to reclaiming the inner city from criminal networks.

“These operations send a clear message: Johannesburg is not a haven for lawlessness,” she said.