City cracks down on hijacked property in Bryanston, arrest made
The City of Johannesburg says at least 17 properties in Bryanston are under investigation as it intensifies enforcement against hijacked buildings.
A follow-up inspection at a Bryanston property has uncovered ongoing illegal activity, despite earlier enforcement action, as the City of Johannesburg intensifies its fight against hijacked buildings.
The City of Johannesburg conducted an unannounced follow-up compliance inspection at 146 Grosvenor Road in Bryanston on January 8, uncovering continued illegal activity at a property previously flagged for unlawful occupation.
Read more: Johannesburg MMC leads crackdown on hijacked Bryanston property
The inspection followed enforcement action taken in December 2025, when the property was identified as being unlawfully occupied and linked to suspected illegal electricity and water connections.
At the time, corrective directives were issued to the property owner, prompting the city’s return to verify whether those instructions had been followed.
The operation was led by city manager Dr Floyd Brink, alongside MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tshwaku, underscoring the city’s firm stance on lawful occupation, public safety, and regulated service delivery.
According to city spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane, while informal shacks previously erected on the property had been demolished, officials found that serious non-compliance persisted. “There is still a lot of illegality happening at this site.”
Modingoane pointed to illegal electricity and water connections and signs that the main house had been hijacked.
City Power Johannesburg and Johannesburg Water were present during the inspection and removed illegal cables and related infrastructure. Officials also assessed structural safety and verified the legal occupation status of the property.
One suspect, believed to be the head of the hijacking operation, was arrested during the operation and taken to Douglasdale Police Station for questioning. Suspicious goods found on the property were seized, and further investigations are underway.
Brink confirmed that the property is linked to an outstanding municipal account of approximately R1.2m. He also revealed that at least 17 other properties in the Bryanston area are currently under investigation for similar contraventions.
@caxtonjoburgnorth City spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane speaks about the follow-up inspection at a Bryanston property on January 8, 2026. Video: Duduzile Khumalo #caxtonlocalmedia #News #Localnews #Fyp #Community #servicedelivery #SA #johannesburg ♬ original sound Caxton Joburg North
Officials warned that tenants are allegedly paying rent to unauthorised individuals, describing the situation as a serious safety and service-delivery risk.
@caxtonjoburgnorth A look inside the Bryanston property on January 8, 2026. Video: Duduzile Khumalo #caxtonlocalmedia #Localnews #News #Fyp #Community #johannesburg #JMPD #Sandton #SA ♬ original sound Caxton Joburg North
“This is a disaster waiting to happen if decisive action is not taken,” Modingoane said.
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