The City of Johannesburg has launched a series of raids targeting dilapidated and hijacked buildings in the inner city, aiming to address safety concerns linked to illegal occupation and unauthorized utility connections. The operation has so far led to the arrest of more than 40 undocumented foreign nationals, including individuals allegedly in possession of fraudulent asylum papers.
Acting Mayor Kenny Kunene, who spearheaded the operation, defended the raids as a necessary step to reclaim the city from criminal syndicates and illegal occupants. “This is a pandemic,” Kunene stated in an interview with SABC News. “Illegal foreigners have hijacked our buildings, occupied our cities, and we must start somewhere to turn this around.”
Crackdown on Illegal Occupancy and Fraud
The raids uncovered severe violations, including illegal electricity and water connections, with some buildings reportedly owing the city millions in unpaid utilities. Kunene highlighted cases where businesses, including shops run by Pakistani nationals, were allegedly stealing electricity from residential supplies.
Authorities also discovered squalid living conditions, including makeshift settlements inside buildings, where children were found in poor health. “We cannot be afraid of criminals,” Kunene asserted, vowing to continue operations despite potential backlash from syndicates.
Challenges and Allegations of Syndicate Influence
While the raids have been welcomed by some residents, critics argue that they fail to address the root causes of illegal immigration and property hijacking. Kunene acknowledged limitations, particularly the lack of secure borders and slow deportations, but insisted that Johannesburg could become a “no-go zone” for illegal immigrants under his leadership.
He also made explosive allegations that some Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) are on retainer from building hijackers, facilitating legal delays to prevent evictions. “These NPOs are on speed dial whenever we conduct operations,” Kunene claimed, though he admitted investigations into these syndicates were ongoing.
Political Motivations Questioned
When asked if the raids were politically motivated—given Kunene’s affiliation with the Patriotic Alliance, a party known for its hardline stance on immigration—he denied the claim, stating his actions were driven by a commitment to “service delivery.” However, he emphasized his party’s manifesto, which includes stricter immigration controls and urban renewal.
Calls for Stronger Law Enforcement
Kunene called for tougher property laws to criminalize building hijacking and urged national intervention, including support from the South African Police Service. “If we had control over law enforcement, we could dismantle these syndicates faster,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Kunene remained defiant: “We are government. We cannot fail to deal with criminals. We will take back our city.”
The raids are expected to continue as authorities attempt to reclaim hundreds of hijacked buildings across Johannesburg.
