The City of Johannesburg Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS) alongside law enforcement arrested 34 suspects in Hillbrow and Berea on 8 October.
The arrests took place in the early hours of the morning at two hijacked properties in the areas. Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg Herman Mashaba said, “The properties that were targeted during the operation include Bluehuize, Vannin Court and Old Perm Building.”
He added, “A total of 33 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested. Immigration officers from the Department of Home Affairs will process those who were arrested to ascertain relevant information.”
One suspect was arrested for being in possession of a dangerous weapon.
Mashaba said, “It is essential that we bring back the rule of law in our City and take it back from the criminal elements such as landlords who take advantage of desperate people and accommodate them under deplorable conditions.
“The City of Johannesburg has over 700 properties which are confirmed to be hijacked. Thus far, operations by law enforcement agencies have handed back 31 properties that were previously in the hands of hijackers back to their rightful owners.”
He said that his administration remains committed to working in the inner city and will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the city is safe to live in.
Mashaba concluded, “I encourage members of our communities to report any fraud and corruption activities through our 24-hour tip-off hotline 080 000 2587 or visit the offices of GFIS situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.”
The suspects are expected to appear in Hillbrow Magistrates Court soon.
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