​City rescues inner-city residents

Yesterday, the City’s Health and Social Development Department, the Urban Management department, over 100 members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Johannesburg Roads Agency, Joburg Water and Pikitup participated in 3 hour operation to assist and relocate resident of an old dilapidated building at the corner of Commissioner and Goud Street in the inner City.
This follows numerous complaints received by the City regarding the health and safety of the building and the high incidence of crime plaguing the area.

On inspection of the building it was found that a significant portion of it had collapsed and residents were found to have no access to safe running water or electricity. The City has since provided accommodation to 13 people at a City shelter.

The owners of the structure have also been instructed to have the building demolished by next week.

During the inspection a number of dangerous and illegal items were confiscated .

These include:

• five firearms;
• ten knives;
• two choppers;
• two baseball bats; and
• an undisclosed amount of foreign currency.

I commend all the role players involved for their efforts to make the inner city a safer for our residents to work, live and play.

Media queries:

MMC Michael Sun
082 822 9340
sun@joburg.co.zaThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Luyanda Mfeka
Office of the Executive Mayor - Media Specialist
076 171 5978
luyandam@joburg.org.zaThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it