The City of Johannesburg’s citizen relations and urban management (Crum) unit led a second high-impact service delivery operation at John Mackenzie Drive in Emmarentia.
The drive took place on February 19, following ongoing by-law violations and repeated complaints from residents. It was not the first time officials descended on the property, as a similar raid, conducted on November 27 last year, found the property in the same state.

Read more: CRUM raid at Emmarentia property exposes overflowing waste crisis

The intervention formed part of broader efforts to address problem properties in the city. Officials cited multiple breaches of city by-laws and emergency management services (EMS) requirements. The property was found to still have illegal structures, open fire,s and other hazardous conditions, posing risks to neighbouring homes. Residents have long complained about the site, describing it as a fire hazard and a nuisance that has begun affecting surrounding property values.

Crum acting director Auriel Kobola said the city could not stand by while the situation worsened. “This is not the first intervention on John Mackenzie Drive. Although it is private property, the city cannot fold its arms when there is a nuisance affecting the community. We will continue enforcing by-laws until the matter is resolved.”

Kobola added that illegal dumping and recycling activity at the site remained a concern. He confirmed that Pikitup and Crum’s anti-fraud and specialised unit were deployed to remove waste and recyclers from the area. “This is causing a nuisance. We are also educating recyclers and displaced people about waste-related by-laws. Until compliance is achieved, we will continue to act.”

Kobola acknowledged gaps identified during the latest operation, including confusion around ownership. The elderly owner has reportedly been placed in frail care, while disputes among her children – who are allegedly collecting rent – have complicated matters. “We are engaging the three owners simultaneously to address compliance and revenue issues, and trying to minimise what is happening at the property.”

The city escalated its enforcement measures this time, bringing in JMPD group forensics and EMS officials to assess whether the property remains fit for human habitation. The city is awaiting a report from EMS to determine whether further steps, including possible condemnation, may follow. Kobola said the Emmarentia operation is part of a broader regional intervention targeting lawlessness across the city. “There are penalty rates that can be imposed, and the city can take legal action against property owners who fail to comply with environmental health, EMS, and revenue collection by-laws.”

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Tenants on the property, however, expressed frustration during the operation. Several produced receipts showing rent payments dating back to 2025. Nosipho Dwane, who has lived on the property for two years, said tenants felt unfairly treated. “We are telling them that we are renting here and Nadia is not here, but they were taking our things. This was not right. They can’t just come and take away our things.” Nadia Milicevic, who took over management of the property from her mother, was taken into custody, for various crimes unrelated to the property, in early February and is currently detained by Parkview SAPS.

The Emmarentia Residents Association (ERA), which lodged numerous complaints about the property last year, welcomed the city’s renewed intervention. ERA chairperson Saber Manjoo said they appreciate the city’s willingness to act, but warned that circumstances could shift since the landlord’s arrest. “With the landlord arrested, there is a high risk the property could be hijacked. We urge the city to maintain its current trajectory and find long-term solutions.”

The association is also calling for further intervention to address the spillage of recyclers moving toward the nearby spruit and into surrounding areas.

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