A special operation conducted by the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service department (GFIS), South African Police Services (SAPS) and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) resulted in the arrest of thirty four suspects this morning at a hijacked property in Jeppestown.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Jeppestown Magistrate’s court today where they will be charged for trespassing and contempt of court.
It is alleged that the rightful owner purchased the property in 2014, while he was busy doing renovations to the property the suspects illegally occupied the property.
An eviction order was obtained by the owner and all the illegal occupants were evicted from the property but they forcefully moved back into the property.
The matter was then reported to the South African Police Service (Saps) and the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service department (GFIS) for Investigation. An operation was then set up working together with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
The property was successfully handed back to the rightful owner. Hijacked Properties is one of the challenges that the City is faced with. We are happy with the work that team is doing.
This breakthrough is a clear indication of the City’s commitment, working with other law enforcement agencies, to improve safety and ultimately make Joburg safer.
The City would like to encourage residents to report any suspected hijacked properties for visiting the GFIS office situated a 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.
For further information contact:
Lucky Sindane
Director: Strategic Stakeholder Management
Group Forensic and Investigation Service
Cell: 065 865 0696
Email: LuckySi@joburg.org.za
Issued by the City of Johannesburg
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