More than 100 arrested in Joburg raid
A total of 102 people have been arrested after the City of Johannesburg conducted a crime prevention operation in several hijacked properties along Davies Street in Doornfontein on Friday evening.
Mayor Herman Mashaba says one alleged property hijacker was also arrested.
Mashaba says another alleged property hijacker fled the scene.
"I am pleased by the Police Ministry's acknowledgement of the serious challenge posed by hijacked buildings in the inner City and their clear commitment to work together with the City to tackle this problem. This follows comments made by the Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Bongani Mkongi, yesterday," says Mashaba.
Mashaba says two people were arrested for the illegal possession of drugs and several dangerous weapons, including seven knives, were confiscated during the operation.
"A total of 98 undocumented persons were arrested as part of the operation and detained at the Jeppestown Police Station. Immigration officers from the Department of Home Affairs will now process those who were detained," says Mashaba.
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The Mayor says one shop owner was also served with a R20 000 fine by the police for employing undocumented persons.
"Several shops along Rocky Street were inspected and it was discovered that some of the shops were selling expired goods. Fines for second hand goods and other environmental health contraventions were issued," says Mashaba.
Mashaba says it is vital that the rule of law be respected, if they are to turn around the decay of our inner city.
"I want to see rundown buildings turned into quality low cost housing for our residents and affordable rental spaces for small businesses. We are committed to ensuring that we stop the rot in our inner city and make it a prosperous and inclusive place for our people to live work and play."