By Levy Masiteng
The City of Johannesburg has intensified its efforts to combat property hijacking and illegal occupation in Bryanston, with two properties on Bryanston Drive being flagged for alleged unlawful activities.
A coordinated operation was carried out on Monday involving multiple departments, including the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS), which found serious health and safety risks and potential revenue losses for the city.
The operation uncovered alleged illegal occupation, unlawful land use, and serious health and safety risks at two neighbouring high-value residential properties, prompting immediate enforcement action by the city.
Two occupants, one from each property, were detained by immigration officials for being undocumented foreign nationals.
The first property was identified as a “problem property” following reports of illegal land use and severe overcrowding.
In a statement, the city said the registered owners did not live at the premises, which is allegedly being operated as an unapproved multi-unit dwelling.
Concerns were raised by inspectors about unsafe living conditions, possible fire hazards, and non-compliance with zoning and building regulations.
“Authorities are currently verifying the legality of water and electricity connections,” the city said.
The second property in the same area was under investigation for alleged property hijacking.
Information received by the city suggested that the house may have been unlawfully taken over and operated without the consent of the lawful owner.
Municipal records indicated that the property had accumulated arrears of approximately R1.1 million.
When officials arrived at the second site, they were met by a man who said he had just arrived at the property and was in the process of purchasing it from the previous owners.
“The prospective new owner was advised to continue with the legal process to obtain an eviction order against the illegal occupants of the property,” said the city.
During the operation, illegal water and electricity connections were disconnected.
“These interventions form part of an ongoing, multi-departmental strategy to reclaim hijacked buildings, enforce by-laws, protect communities, and hold perpetrators accountable,” said City Manager Floyd Brink.
“No individual or group is above the law.”
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