Seven suspected property hijackers are expected to appear in the Jeppestown Magistrate's Court today after they were arrested at hijacked properties in Kensington, east of Johannesburg.

​They will be charged with trespassing and contempt of court.

It is alleged that the suspects hijacked the property in March 2018 when it was in the process of being registered into the new owner's name.  Nedbank and the rightful owner obtained an eviction order that was effected in November 2018. The owner appointed a private security company to guard the property but the suspected hijackers attacked the security personnel and forcefully moved back into the property.

The matter was subsequently reported to the City's Group Forensic and Investigation Service Department (GFIS) which investigated the matter and coordinated the operation which led to the arrest of the suspects.

The operation was led by GFIS in conjunction with the Johannesburg East Cluster South African Police Service (SAPS) and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).

It is essential that we bring back the rule of law in our City and take it back from the criminal elements such as individuals who occupy properties unlawfully and collect rental money as seen in some instances.

The City has over 700 properties which are hijacked properties. Thirty five properties that were previously in the hands of hijackers have been handed back to the rightful owners.

I would like to encourage people to report any fraud and corruption activities through our 24-hour tipoff hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the offices of GFIS situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.

Cllr Herman Mashaba

Executive Mayor

City of Joburg

For further information, please contact:

Luyanda Mfeka

Director: Mayoral Communications

Office of the Executive Mayor

City of Johannesburg

Tel: 011 407 6727

Cellular: 076 171 5978

Or

Lucky Sindane

Director: Strategic Stakeholder Management

Group Forensic and Investigation Service

Cell: 076 862 4377

Email: LuckySi@joburg.org.za