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Three suspected property hijackers who are part of a syndicate operating in the Booysens area, South of Johannesburg were arrested in the early hours of this morning.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court later today on charges of fraud, theft and trespassing. The police are still looking for the fourth suspect who is on the run.

The suspects were monitored for several months and were arrested during a sting operation led by the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service department (GFIS), South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Organized Crime and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Undercover Unit.

In May this year, GFIS received an anonymous complaint about several properties that were suspected to be hijacked in Booysens. An investigation was then conducted by GFIS before referring the matter to the SAPS Provincial Organized Crime Unit for further investigation and action.

Criminals must know that they might run but there is no place for them to hide in Johannesburg.  

The City will not leave any stone unturned when dealing with criminal activities within its area of jurisdiction. It is essential to bring back the rule of law in the City and take it back from the criminal elements such as landlords who take advantage of desperate people and house them under deplorable conditions.   

The City is committed to ensuring that it stops the rot in the inner city and make it a prosperous and inclusive place for people to live work and play.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to report any fraudulent or corrupt activities through the 24-hour tip-off hotline 0800 002 587 or email: problempropertyhotline@joburg.org.za  or whistle@joburg.org.za  or visit the offices of GFIS situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.

Issued by The City of Johannesburg