Councillor among 23 nabbed as Joburg CBD clampdown continues

The spotlight has been on illegally occupied buildings in the inner-city since last week's Usindiso House fire, which claimed the lives of 77 people.

Gwamanda says they found a team at the building, claiming to be contracted by the owner of the site to undertake construction work.

"Today's (Wednesday) operation has resulted in the arrest of 23 suspects amongst whom is a councillor of the city. The suspects face charges of malicious damage to property and city infrastructure, theft and vandalism,” said Gwamanda.

"According to the preliminary investigation by the JMPD, there are allegations that a senior member of the South African Police Services may be involved in the ongoing invasion of the property."

Twenty-three suspects were arrested and detained at Johannesburg Central Police Station.

This after the JMPD seized a TLB, forklifted and building equipment found on the site in the possession of the suspects.

"Our approach to illegality is now driven with greater urgency and firmness.  It's our intention to ensure that we prevent any further loss of life and disasters in the city as a result of illegally occupied and hijacked buildings.

"We are adopting a zero-tolerance approach and will be extending our operations to target those buildings belonging to the City that are currently in the hands of criminal syndicates," added Mayor Gwamanda.

The mayor has mandated the city manager and city administration to urgently take steps to protect and secure the pound and to prevent any further damage to its facilities.

"We will formally communicate to the speaker the arrest of the councillor and our disappointment that such allegations have arose against the very persons we would expect to be the custodians of city properties and proponents of law and order," said Gwamanda.

ALSO READ