WATCH: Mashaba conducts raids in Joburg
A raid on businesses making use of illegal electricity connections saw the arrest of several shop owners and tenants in the city.
The raids were conducted by mayor Herman Mashaba, together with the police and the Johannesburg Metro Police.
Mashaba says the businesses in some buildings owe the city and estimated R1 billion.
"Some of these residents have really pushed us too far. When we took over this administration we indicated that those who can afford to pay to pay for their services. Unfortunately, some people are not really prepared to co-operate. We were here in December and discovered illegal connections and we disconnected them, a few days later they were reconnected again. They have really pushed us too much and this is totally unacceptable.
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A tenant in a hijacked building that was found with illegal electricity meter equipment was arrested but later released at the scene.
David Mdupi says they are willing to negotiate with the Mashaba and reach an agreement to pay their debts.