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Up to 55 undocumented foreign nationals, including children, were taken to the Sandton Police Station for processing by the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Social Development following a High Impact Service Delivery Operation conducted in Region E on Thursday, 02 July 2026.

The multi-disciplinary operation, led by the City of Johannesburg Executive Deputy Mayor and MMC for Finance, Councillor Loyiso Masuku, together with MMC for Transport, Councillor Kenny Kunene, formed part of the City's ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement, restore compliance, safeguard municipal assets and enhance revenue collection.

The operation focused on law enforcement interventions, inspections of hijacked and illegally occupied buildings, addressing property invasions and unlawful occupation, and advancing the City's revenue enhancement and compliance programme through a coordinated multi-disciplinary action.

During inspections in Bryanston, Sundown and Rivonia, officials uncovered illegally extended properties containing numerous subdivided rooms accommodating large numbers of tenants. Authorities also identified illegal water and electricity connections, resulting in significant revenue losses for the City. One of the properties inspected in Rivonia owes the City more than R1 million in unpaid municipal accounts while accommodating more than 40 occupants.

Speaking during the operation, the Executive Deputy Mayor and MMC for Finance, Cllr Loyiso Masuku said the City conducts these high-impact multidisciplinary interventions every week to address illegal connections, enforce compliance and recover revenue owed to the municipality.

"We discovered properties with illegally constructed extensions comprising dozens of overcrowded rooms. Many of these properties are connected illegally to municipal services, resulting in substantial losses in revenue that should be used to improve service delivery for residents who consistently pay their rates and taxes," said Cllr Masuku.

She added that officials from the Department of Home Affairs identified several undocumented foreign nationals during the operation.

"We are working closely with Home Affairs, JMPD, City Power, Joburg Water and other stakeholders to ensure that the law is enforced. South Africa welcomes people who comply with the law and possess the necessary documentation, but illegal occupation and unlawful use of municipal services will not be tolerated," she said.

Councillor Masuku further confirmed that level three disconnections were done to remove infrastructure used for illegal water and electricity connections and to prevent further losses to the City. She emphasised that the municipality would pursue property owners and intermediaries who profit from unlawful occupation while failing to meet their obligations to the City.

MMC for Transport, Cllr Kenny Kunene said the operation was prompted by ongoing complaints from residents regarding suspicious activities, illegal occupation and significant municipal debt linked to some properties in Sandton.

"Many of these properties are effectively being hijacked after lawful rental agreements collapse. Owners often leave the city or country, and tenants stop paying rent and municipal services, resulting in serious revenue losses for the municipality," said Cllr Kunene.

He noted that several properties owe the City more than R1 million in rates and taxes and stressed that recovering this revenue remains essential to sustaining service delivery.

"Where evidence exists that property owners are harbouring undocumented foreign nationals or facilitating unlawful activities, the City will work with relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability. We will continue intensifying these operations to protect municipal assets, uphold the law, and ensure compliance across Johannesburg," he added.

The City of Johannesburg remains committed to restoring law and order, improving compliance, safeguarding municipal infrastructure, and ensuring that all property owners and occupants meet their legal obligation while contributing fairly to the City's revenue base.

Issued by: The City of Johannesburg