Johannesburg authorities have arrested a suspect linked to the hijacking of a luxurious dwelling in Bryanston as investigations widen to a minimum of 17 different properties within the space.
The highly-publicised case finally led to an arrest, following a multi-agency operation at a home on Grosvenor Street.
Throughout an inspection final December, metropolis officers uncovered a number of illegal buildings on the property, together with makeshift rooms that had been constructed to accommodate residents:
Though casual buildings on the property had been eliminated, officers found unlawful electrical energy and water connections, and indicators that the principle home had been hijacked.
“There’s nonetheless lots of illegality taking place at this website,” stated Metropolis spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane.
“This can be a catastrophe ready to occur if decisive motion shouldn’t be taken.”
Unlawful electrical energy, water connections linked to hijacked dwelling
This week’s raid was led by Metropolis Supervisor Dr Floyd Brink and different senior officers. The property, valued at about R5.1 million, had been illegally occupied and altered to accommodate a number of tenants.
Metropolis officers stated the principle home was subdivided with makeshift rooms and that electrical energy and water companies had been unlawfully reconnected after being minimize off years in the past.
Investigators additionally discovered giant municipal arrears linked to the property, with one account alone estimated at greater than R1 million.
In the course of the operation, officers seized a licensed firearm, ammunition and magazines.
Three witness statements had been additionally obtained, linking the suspect to the unlawful assortment of lease from occupants. The suspect was taken into police custody and is anticipated to face formal fees.
Brink expressed concern over the extent of lawlessness surrounding this and related properties.
“There’s a crucial want to handle these points for the sake of our group’s security and the Metropolis’s monetary sustainability,” he stated.
“We’re actively investigating 17 further properties throughout wards 102 and 104 which were recognized for related unlawful occupation.”
