The City of Johannesburg has launched an investigation into 17 residential properties in Bryanston, north of Johannesburg, suspected of being hijacked.
The investigation follows a raid on a property on Grosvenor Road in the area on Thursday, after homeowners returned from holiday to find their house illegally occupied and converted into an informal settlement.
Suspect arrested
During the operation, city officials seized two firearms and several vehicles, and a suspect believed to be responsible for the hijacking was arrested.
Johannesburg City Manager Floyd Brink said similar cases have been identified in wards 102 and 104, with authorities preparing to intensify enforcement.
“There are about 17 similar houses that we have started to investigate,” Brink said.
“We will be implementing a zero-tolerance approach across Johannesburg in the coming weeks because this is about financial sustainability and protecting the city’s revenue.”
Electricity debt
City officials also disconnected illegal electricity and water connections at the property.
City Power chief operating officer Charles Tlouane said the electricity debt linked to the hijacked house is estimated at R1.2 million.
“We understand that services were disconnected previously, but the occupants bypassed the system illegally,” Tlouane said.
“These issues will be addressed once the rightful owner comes forward.”
The City of Johannesburg said further operations are expected as part of an ongoing crackdown on hijacked and illegally occupied properties across the metro.
