The 4 property hijackers and 24 other suspects who were arrested for trespassing and contempt of court, appeared in court yesterday and have were remanded in custody until their next court appearance date.
The 28 suspects appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court. They will appear again in court on Monday, 26 March 2018.
The suspects were arrested on Tuesday evening following a sting operation to 5 hijacked properties in Rosettenville and Turffontein South of Johannesburg.
Two property hijackers fled the scene on Tuesday night, however, the police are hot on their heels.
I am pleased that the suspects are still behind bars; this will send out a strong message to the property hijackers out there and those that forcefully move back into people’s properties after they have been told to move.
A total number of 22 properties have been handed back to the rightful owners. About 300 buildings are confirmed as hijacked in the City. 19 property hijackers have been arrested.
Criminals must know that they might run but there is no place for them to hide in Johannesburg.
The City will not leave any stone unturned when dealing with criminal activities within its area of jurisdiction and we will continue to intensify the raids at these bad and hijacked properties with the assistance of Saps and other law enforcement agencies.
It is essential that we bring back the rule of law in our City and take it back from the criminal elements such as landlords who take advantage of desperate people and house them under deplorable conditions.
I would like to encourage people with hijacked properties to please come forward and report by visiting the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
For further information, please contact
Lucky Sindane
Director: Strategic Stakeholder Management
Group Forensic and Investigation Services
Cell: 065 865 0696
Email: LuckySi@joburg.org.za
Or
Luyanda Mfeka
Director: Mayoral Communications
Office of the Executive Mayor
Cell: 076 171 5978
Email: luyandam@joburg.org.za
