Four suspects arrested at hijacked properties
Four (4) suspects were arrested on Friday, 23 November 2018, following a crime prevention operation at hijacked properties in Hillbrow, Berea and Yeoville.
The operation was led by the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS) Unit in conjunction with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
The five properties that were targeted during the operation include Pointe City, Highrise, Las Vegas, No 16 Rockey Street and 83 Hopkins Street.
Of the four, two suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs and one suspect was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. One undocumented foreign national was arrested and immigration officers from the Department of Home Affairs will process the suspect to ascertain the relevant information.
A stolen vehicle was also recovered during the operation.
Cllr Herman Mashaba said, “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.
“We now have over 700 properties which are confirmed to be hijacked in Johannesburg. So far, 34 properties that were previously in the hands of hijackers have been handed back to the rightful owners.
“We are committed to ensuring that we stop the rot in our inner-city and make it a prosperous and inclusive place for our people to live, work and play.
“I want to see these rundown buildings turned into quality low cost housing for our residents and affordable rental spaces for small businesses. I would like to encourage people to report any fraud and corruption activities through our 24hour tipoff hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the offices of GFIS situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.” Cllr Herman Mashaba is the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg.
