Three female suspected property hijackers arrested in Bellevue East.
Three female suspected property hijackers, who hijacked Doreen Court for 10 years, were arrested in Bellevue East this past Friday night.
The arrest follows a sting operation led by the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) department working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The suspects are expected to appear in the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court today. They will be charged with contravening Section 3 (1) of the PIE Act and fraud.
It is alleged that the suspects, who were tenants at Doreen Court, hijacked the property from the owner in May 2008. They reneged from their obligation of paying monthly rental to the owner and subsequently sublet the property to unsuspecting individuals.
The suspected hijackers were unlawfully collecting monthly rent from the subtenants without the consent of the owner. The owner was also denied access to his property.
The owner then approached GFIS which worked together with SAPS Johannesburg East Cluster in investigating the matter.
I am delighted that another property owner has finally gained control of their property which was in the hands of the hijackers. This bring the total number of properties handed back to rightful owners to 29.
Criminals must know that they may run but there is no place for them to hide in Johannesburg. Operation Buya Mthetho remains determined to ensuring that the rule of law returns to our communities.
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 are committed to ensuring that the inner city is transformed into a prosperous and inclusive place for our people to live work and play.
