Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda joined metro police in a sting operation that netted suspected syndicates illegally occupying and vandalising the city’s properties.
The sting operation, which was conducted on Wednesday, led to the arrest of a number of individuals including a councillor.
It has also been revealed that a preliminary investigation by the metro police showed that a senior police official may be involved in the invasion of municipal property.
The property in question, which was intended to be used as a pound by metro police, was purchased in 2019 for an amount of R40-million.
Following a fire that left over 70 people dead and scores injured last week, the property had been identified as a possible site for temporary accommodation for the victims.
“Today’s [sting] operation has resulted in the arrest of 23 suspects among whom is a councillor of the city,” said Gwamanda.
“The suspects face charges of malicious damage to property and city infrastructure, theft, and vandalism.”
During the sting operation, the metro police department also seized a TLB and building equipment which were found on the site occupied by the suspects.
Gwamanda noted that the city’s approach to illegality is being 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.
He added that the city is adopting a zero-tolerance approach.
The mayor has since mandated city manager and city administration to urgently take the steps to protect and secure the pound and to prevent any further damage to its facilities.
“We will formally communicate to the speaker the arrest of the councillor and our disappointment that such allegations have arose against the very persons we would expect to be the custodians of the city’s properties and proponents of law and order.”
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