Authorities from the City of Johannesburg have intensified interventions against alleged property hijacking, illegal occupation, and non-compliant land use in the Bryanston area, following the identification of multiple high-value properties linked to unlawful activities and serious health and safety risks.
Two properties located on Bryanston Drive had been flagged during coordinated operation involving the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS), Development Planning, City Power, Joburg Water, Home Affairs, Health & Social Development, Environmental Health, and Human Settlements departments.
One of the properties has been classified as a problem property due to alleged illegal land use and overcrowding. Reports indicate that the registered owners are not residing on the premises, which is allegedly being used as a multi-unit dwelling without approval, posing potential health and safety hazards.
Authorities are currently verifying the legality of water and electricity connections.
A second property in the same area is under investigation for alleged property hijacking. Information received suggests that the premises may have been unlawfully taken over and operated without the consent of the lawful owner. This property reportedly carries municipal arrears of approximately R1.1 million, with additional enforcement and legal processes underway.
Upon arrival at the second property, authorities were met by a gentleman who had just arrived and informed them that he was in the process of purchasing the property 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. Authorities then proceeded to disconnect the illegal water and electricity connections. Two occupants, one from each house, were detained by immigration officials for being undocumented foreign nationals.
City officials have emphasised that property hijacking, illegal occupation, and unlawful land use undermine community safety, strain municipal services, and deprive the City of essential revenue needed for service delivery.
“These interventions form part of an ongoing, multi-departmental strategy to reclaim hijacked buildings, enforce by-laws, protect communities, and hold perpetrators accountable,” said the City Manager of Johannesburg, Dr Floyd Brink. “No individual or group is above the law.”
Residents are encouraged to report suspected property hijacking, illegal conversions, or unsafe living conditions through official municipal and law-enforcement channels. Investigations into the identified properties are ongoing, and further action, including legal proceedings, may follow.
Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS) can be contacted via the following channels, where complainants are issued with a unique reference number and investigator details (where applicable):
- Anti-Fraud and Corruption Hotline: 0800 025 87
- Email: Whistle@joburg.org.za
- Walk-in: 48 Ameshoff Street, SAPPI Building, Braamfontein
- 6th Floor: Fraud, Corruption, Theft and Maladministration
- 7th Floor: Property Hijacking and Compliance Investigations
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