The City of Johannesburg has taken a decision to clamp down on the illegal invasion of land and hijacking of buildings within the City.
The decision was taken after 23 illegal occupants were evicted from a City owned property situated at Van Beeck Street, New Doornfontein.
The eviction was a result of the City observing an increase in the number of incidents of lawlessness in certain areas of the City, where criminal syndicates are using the National lockdown to takeover unoccupied buildings and to invade open spaces and land.
Citizens are urged to heed the warning and refrain from unlawful activities within the City. The City has directed the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and Group Forensics and Investigative Services to act swiftly to protect the assets of the City and private citizens for the greater interests of all citizens including the poor and homeless.
Increased security personnel will be deployed to guard City properties and to prevent any further incidents of illegality.
The City, working together with the Provincial Department of Social Development, has made provision for the homeless by accommodating them in various Recreational Centres across the City. Therefore, we will not tolerate unlawful invasions under the false pretense or narrative that people are homeless. An investigation to track down these criminal syndicates is currently underway.
“We are concerned that people are using this Lockdown period to take advantage of the law by illegally occupying City buildings. The City is committed to ensuring that those affected by the evictions be accommodated during this period at identified centres that the City has identified to accommodate the homeless, as per the National lockdown regulations on eviction” said Mayor Makhubo.
“I urge everyone to work together with the city and adhere to the laws governing this country and not act in an unlawful manner that may results in evictions and arrests” concluded Mayor Makhubo.
Let’s all observe the regulations and lockdown pronounced by the President and equally, accept that no illegal behavior will be tolerated during this period. Law enforcement will continue with increased sternness.