The City of Johannesburg continued its integrated law enforcement operations in Region E on Thursday, targeting non-compliant properties, illegal utility connections and immigration-related offences in Bramley, Edenburg and Bryanston.
During the operation, officials inspected 10 properties in Bramley, where City Power disconnected illegal electricity connections. Nine undocumented foreign nationals were apprehended and will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs for possible deportation.
In Edenburg, five properties were inspected, resulting in the disconnection of water and electricity services at two non-compliant properties. An illegal shebeen was shut down and liquor was confiscated at one of the properties.
The operation also extended to two vacant stands in Bryanston as part of the City’s ongoing efforts to address by-law contraventions and improve compliance across Region E.
MMC for Transport in the City of Johannesburg, Kenny Kunene, said the operation exposed the extent of service theft and by-law violations taking place at some of the inspected properties.
“One of the properties owes the City more than R200,000 in water charges alone. Although the property is on a prepaid electricity system, the meter had been tampered with, and the electricity supply was being illegally bypassed. City Power has disconnected the electricity supply, while Johannesburg Water has disconnected the water supply. The City will continue taking decisive action against those who steal municipal services,” he said.
Region E Regional Director, Makgafela Thaba, said the City would pursue further enforcement measures against non-compliant property owners.
“In addition to the service disconnections, the City will impose the necessary rates penalties. Our Development Planning officials will also initiate processes to seek demolition orders for the illegal structures and extensions erected on the property without approved plans, as these developments do not comply with approved building regulations, “said Thaba.
Kunene added that the City would implement the highest level of electricity disconnection and pursue additional enforcement measures.
“We are imposing a Level 3 electricity disconnection, meaning the electricity supply will be completely disconnected from the property. This property is non-compliant in every respect from planning approvals and electricity connections to water services and public safety requirements. Illegal structures have been erected without approval, and numerous undocumented foreign nationals were found on the premises. The City has effectively been bleeding revenue, with approximately 40 families occupying the property while illegally consuming water and electricity, “he said.
He added that the Department of Home Affairs would process the undocumented foreign nationals for deportation, while the Gauteng Department of Social Development would assist with minors found during the operation.
Those apprehended will be taken to Bramley Police Station for processing, while the City continues its investigations to locate the owner of the property and hold them accountable for the multiple by-law contraventions.
The City of Johannesburg remains committed to conducting integrated law enforcement operations across all regions to combat illegal activities, recover municipal revenue, enforce compliance with municipal by-laws and create safer communities for residents.
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