A City of Johannesburg councillor, along with 22 other people, were arrested on Wednesday, in a sting operation by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) against suspected syndicates illegally occupying and vandalising City Property.

The property was purchased by the City in 2019 for R40-million and was intended for use as a pound for the JMPD.

The people arrested face charges of malicious damage to property and City infrastructure, theft and vandalism.

City of Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda has mandated the city manager and the city administration to urgently take the necessary steps to protect and secure the pound and to prevent any further damage to its facilities.

“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,” he said.

A preliminary investigation by the JMPD alleges that a senior member of the South African Police Services may be involved in the ongoing invasion of the property.

Following last week’s fire at Usindiso House, the hijacked building was identified as a possible site for temporary accommodation of victims.

Gwamanda said following an inspection it was established that there was a team of persons on site claiming to be contracted by the owner of the site to undertake construction work.

Following the recent disasters that have plagued the city,  the Mayor said the municipality is adopting a zero-tolerance approach and will be extending its operations to target City-owned buildings hijacked by criminal syndicates.