A sweeping City of Johannesburg enforcement operation has led to the arrest of more than 40 individuals, including the undocumented foreign nationals at a hijacked property in Bryanston, intensifying the city’s efforts to dismantle criminal networks entrenched in illegally occupied buildings.
The operation still unfolding is led by City of Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku.
Inside the hijacked property, officials uncovered a criminal enterprise where occupants, many undocumented, were being forced to pay R2 000 per room per month to syndicates operating the building illegally.
Read more: R21m dagga bust in Sandton as MMC leads operation
Authorities believe the property had become a haven for crime, drug activity, and possible illegal firearms, prompting the urgent intervention.
City Power is on-site conducting a full electricity compliance inspection to verify the source of supply. Due to non-compliance and illegal connections, power is being cut with immediate effect.
Environmental health and the EMS fire brigade have ordered the immediate removal of the Wendy house due to serious safety and compliance risks. The structure poses a fire hazard and health concerns, and is being cleared as part of the multi-disciplinary operation led by Tshwaku to restore safety and enforce city standards.
This is a developing story.
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