Staff Reporter
The City of Johannesburg cut off water and revoked an unauthorised guesthouse permit at a Ferndale property allegedly operating as a brothel during a joint law-enforcement raid this week.
The city said on Friday in a press statement that its officials inspected 419 Vine Avenue after it was flagged for operating in breach of municipal by-laws and national laws.
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The property was found to have illegal water connections. Municipal infrastructure had been tampered with, it said, which prompted the disconnection. The matter was referred to court.
Women living at the property were allegedly being booked through online platforms for prostitution.
The city said that one occupant asked for help to return to the Eastern Cape and was assisted by the Department of Social Development.
The owner of the property was not on site during the inspection.
A second property linked to the same owner, at 471 West Avenue, Ferndale, was found to be operating as a multiple dwelling without approved building plans. It was also in arrears on rates and taxes, the city said. The owner signed an acknowledgement of debt, and water services were disconnected due to non-compliance.
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The city said a 14-year-old child found on the second premises was referred to social services for protection, and that occupants were alleged to be paying about R5000 per month in rent.
The city said its department of development planning issued a fine and further rates penalties were expected for illegal land use.
City Manager Floyd Brink said the operation reflected a tougher stance on unlawful property use.
“The City of Johannesburg will not tolerate the illegal use of residential properties for unlawful activities,” he said.
The latest raid comes as Johannesburg has repeatedly stepped up actions against “hijacked”, unlawfully occupied and non-compliant properties since 2020, even as courts have scrutinised heavy-handed tactics linked to earlier inner-city operations and warrantless raids that were later challenged and criticised in litigation.
Public pressure to address unsafe and illegally occupied buildings intensified after a deadly fire in a city-owned, illegally occupied inner-city building in August 2023, which triggered official inquiries and renewed focus on enforcement, safety compliance and accountability.
In 2025, city entities and law-enforcement agencies also carried out multiple operations targeting illegal connections, non-payment and criminal activity linked to problem buildings, including disconnections in the central business district and enforcement drives by City Power and Johannesburg Water.