Six arrested at Randburg flats that owe R4m as city seeks uninhabitable order

JMPD at a hijacked property in Randburg, 25 February. Picture: X / @CityofJoburgZA Immigration officials have arrested six foreign nationals living at a property owing the city millions in utility payments. The city raided three properties in Randburg on Wednesday as part of a multi-department blitz targeting delinquent properties.

Those targeted reported overcrowding, high municipal arrears and other general by-law infringements. Growing frustrated by the prevalence of illegally occupied residential properties, one party is calling on parliament to debate the possible abuse of housing legislation. The worst-affected property was found at a block of apartments in Windsor East that had been hijacked by both South Africans and illegal foreign nationals.

Owing R4 million to the City of Johannesburg municipality in water, electricity and rates, city officials observed widespread health, safety and by-law violations. “The city’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services is in the process of applying for a declaration order to have the property declared uninhabitable. “Once granted, this will enable the city to obtain an evacuation order to ensure the safety of occupants and protect surrounding residents from further risk,” the city stated.

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Authorities arrested five Congolese men and a Congolese woman who were alleged to be in the country illegally. A property several blocks away from the first had its electricity disconnected after officials found the meter to be unregistered withCity Power. Authorities visited a third property after community members complained it had become a security risk

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