On Friday, 13 April 2018, I was part of sting operation at a hijacked property in Belgravia, Jeppestown, which led to the arrest of 10 people who were charged for malicious damage to property, trespassing and contempt of court.
The suspects are detained at the Jeppestown Police Station and will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 16 April 2018.
I was informed that the property’s rightful owner bought the space in 2009 and had been renting it out to the tenants who, subsequently, hijacked the building. In 2016, the tenants began refusing to pay their monthly rentals.
In March this year, the owner obtained an eviction order. The tenants were evicted, however, they forcefully moved back onto the property the same day.
I am pleased that we were able to assist another property owner whose property was in the hands of hijackers. The total number of properties that have been handed back to the rightful owners is 23.
Hijacked properties is one of the challenges we are faced with in the City but we are pleased with the strides we are making in addressing the challenge. Criminals must know that they might run but there is no place for them to hide in Johannesburg.
I would like to thank the SAPS Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Deliwe de Lange for her commitment in addressing the challenge we are faced with by establishing a dedicated team that will investigate property hijackings in conjunction with the City.
I would also like to encourage people to report any fraud and corruption activities through our 24-hour tip-off hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the offices of GFIS situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
Media enquiries:
Lucky Sindane
Director: Strategic Stakeholder Management
Group Forensic and Investigation Services
Cell: 065 865 0696
Email: LuckySi@joburg.org.za
