A multi-agency operation led by the City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, took place at the Wembley informal settlement in Turffontein on December 12.

This follows ongoing reports of high crime in the area.

The operation brought together members of Moffat View SAPS, JMPD, Immigration Services, City Power, and Calvin and Family Security.

@southern.courierOfficers arrested several undocumented foreign nationals, with many reportedly from Tanzania. City Power teams also removed some illegal electrical connections running through the settlement. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Officers arrested several undocumented foreign nationals, with many reportedly from Tanzania. City Power teams also removed some illegal electrical connections running through the settlement.

Facilities ‘illegally occupied’

Speaking on-site, MMC Mabaso said the area was initially established by the City of Johannesburg as a temporary residential facility during COVID-19 to help de-densify overcrowded informal settlements and manage evictions in the inner city.

“We were later advised that these properties have been illegally occupied,” he said.

“Some people started renting out the spaces to certain individuals, which opened the door for illegal operations.”

@southern.courierA multi-agency operation led by the City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, took place at the Wembley informal settlement in Turffontein on December 12. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Mabaso said the City had received information linking criminal activity in the settlement to individuals known as Yusif and Salim, who are allegedly running a drug operation in the area.

“We’ve managed to arrest a few individuals linked to the operation. They are detained by police as we speak. We couldn’t find the two main suspects, and several illegal immigrants have also been taken into custody,” he said.

Aim: reclaim the facility and protect residents

Mabaso said the purpose of the operation was to reclaim the City-managed facility and ensure the safety of the families living there.

“There are a lot of children in these units, and they are exposed to criminal activities happening here, particularly drug-related operations. You can’t even tell that this is a government-managed facility anymore,” he said.

He added that the City intends to clamp down on illegal occupation and restore order for the sake of residents’ well-being.

Residents react

During the walkabout, Mabaso questioned residents about what happens inside the settlement.

@southern.courierDuring the walkabout, Mabaso questioned residents about what happens inside the settlement. One resident told officials he had been “drinking tea” when the police arrived and denied any involvement in criminal activity. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

One resident told officials he had been “drinking tea” when the police arrived and denied any involvement in criminal activity.

“We are just hustling daily. We don’t sell anything illegal, and we are not defending anyone,” he said.

Other residents were hesitant to speak and refused to reveal the names of suspected criminals operating in the area.