By: Natasha Archary

City of Joburg Mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda led a sting operation that saw a JHB Councillor and 22 others arrested for hijacking a R40 million building in the CBD.
On Wednesday, 06 September, Gwamanda together with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), found that a building which was acquired by the City in 2019 for R40 million, was hijacked by a syndicate illegally.
The building which was illegally occupied, was purchased to be used as a pound for the JMPD.
Following the devastating fire in Marshalltown last week, the building was identified as a possible temporary shelter for survivors.
An inspection of the building established that the building was occupied by people claiming to be employed by the owner to oversee construction.
“Today’s operation has resulted in the arrest of 23 suspects amongst whom is a Councillor of the City. The suspects face charges of malicious damage to property and City infrastructure, theft and vandalism.
According to the preliminary investigation by the JMPD, there are allegations that a senior member of the South African Police Services (SAPS) may be involved in the ongoing invasion of the property.
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 City properties and proponents of law and order.”
City of Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda on the arrests of a JHB Councillor and 22 others in relation to a hijacked building
Gwamanda says all 23 suspects have been detained at the Johannesburg Central Police Station.
The JMPD has also seized a TLB, forklift, and building equipment found on the site in the possession of the suspects.
[Statement] Mayor Gwamanda leads sting operation in Downtown Joburg pic.twitter.com/ojDij0eFVq
— Exec. Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda (@KabeloGwamanda) September 6, 2023
Also read: Wernich Botha released on R2 000 bail for Klerksdorp assault
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