City of Joburg cracks down on hijacked buildings and illegal electricity connections
Acting Johannesburg mayor Kenny Kunene led a major raid in Randburg, targeting illegal electricity connections, undocumented immigrants and hijacked buildings.
During the raid, one building was confirmed as hijacked, while another property in Bordeaux was flagged for unpaid taxes, illegal utility connections and operating as a scrapyard.
These actions are part of the city's broader plan to combat urban decay, reclaim hijacked properties, and restore municipal order and revenue.
City of Johannesburg acting mayor Kenny Kunene led a high-profile raid in Randburg this week, cracking down on illegal electricity connections, undocumented immigrants and hijacked buildings.
The operation that forms part of the city's broader law enforcement efforts saw Kunene joined by heavily armed private security, metro police, City Power technicians and city council members.
During the Randburg raid, one building was officially confirmed as hijacked. 'Yes, the building is hijacked; EMS has completed a report on it,' said Kunene.
The City of Johannesburg has made it clear that it plans to reclaim all hijacked properties and return them to the city's inventory, with the goal of eventually attracting private partners to invest in and redevelop these spaces.
Tebogo Letsie
Kunene also highlighted another problem property on Sixth Street in Bordeaux.
We're dealing with a house that owes the city for rates, taxes, electricity and water. It's also illegally operating as a scrapyard. Neighbours are complaining about inflated electricity bills because of its illegal connections
Kenny Kunene
These efforts form part of the city's broader crackdown on urban decay and illegal utilities, aiming to restore order and boost municipal revenue.
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