A house damaged by fire on 8 Raglan Street that has long been an eyesore and safety hazard in Sydenham has prompted a multi-departmental operation by City of Johannesburg entities.

Officials from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, City Power, Johannesburg Water, and the Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS) conducted an operation on September 14 to assess the site.

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Believed to be illegally occupied, the burnt structure is used by recyclers who have filled the yard with waste and broken materials. Residents said the waste is periodically set on fire, posing an environmental and fire hazard to the surrounding neighbourhood.

Ward 72 councillor Daniel Schay welcomed the intervention.

“It’s not the first time the city is doing an operation and I hope it won’t be the last,” Schay said. “It’s an operation we have been calling for, for quite a few months, given the situation this property is in and the dangers it poses in terms of the environment.”

One occupant, who asked not to be named, said he has lived on the property for six years and previously paid rent to the former owner.

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City of Johannesburg spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane confirmed that GFIS has registered a formal complaint.

“Part of our investigation will include tracing of the owners or their next of kin,” Modingoane said. “GFIS will provide updates with developments in this matter.”

The operation aimed to assess the site and serve statutory summonses regarding the property’s condition, but municipal officials were unable to issue notices as no owner or representative could be located. Participating departments confirmed they will coordinate with GFIS to determine further legal and operational steps.

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