The registered owner of an allegedly illegally occupied property in Sydenham is deceased, investigations by the City of Johannesburg’s Group Forensics and Investigation Services (GFIS) have revealed.

The finding follows a multi-departmental operation conducted on September 14 by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, City Power, Johannesburg Water, and the GFIS.

Read more: Derelict property on 10th Avenue Parktown North raises safety concerns

City of Johannesburg spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane said further inquiries identified an executrix appointed by the Master of the High Court to administer the estate.

“The executrix has informed the city that she intends to demolish the property due to its compromised structural integrity. Additionally, the executrix instructed her legal representatives to initiate eviction proceedings against the alleged unlawful occupants of the property,” said Modingoane.

Modingoane added that the matter was sub judice and that the city has requested the executrix to keep officials informed of any developments.

The fire-damaged house has long been a safety hazard in the community and currently houses recyclers.

The burnt structure is surrounded by waste and broken materials, which residents say is periodically set on fire, posing an environmental and fire hazard.

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.

Daniel Schay, the Ward 72 councillor, welcomed the operation.

Also read: Sydenham community safety concerns prompt City of Johannesburg probe into fire-damaged property

“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,” said Schay.

Norwood Police Station Warrant Officer Eric Masotsha confirmed police also conducted operations at the property.

Masotsha noted that on September 11 he received a complaint and allegations that occupants robbed people in the community.

“Norwood police members went to the property and found three male dwellers, who had made a fire for cooking. All the dwellers were searched, but nothing illegal was found, although it is our hotspot and we conduct raids twice a week during our crime prevention operations,” said Masotsha.

Masotsha added that another joint operation was held on September 11 involving the JMPD Tactical Unit and the City of Johannesburg’s Property Council (JPC) to address illegal occupancy of municipal properties.

“Several houses were identified in Orange Grove and all the occupants were addressed. I urge community members to consult with JPC offices first to check if they are not buying a hijacked property or property which belongs to another institution before occupying it,” said Masotsha.

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