Kunene: City of Joburg must crack down on the hijacking of buildings

Acting Johannesburg mayor Kenny Kunene said the municipality must strengthen laws against the hijacking of buildings across the city, as they are becoming a hub for illegal activities.

After issuing eviction warnings to flat owners in downtown Johannesburg, Kunene alongside members of the mayoral committee, raided flats and scrap yards in Hillbrow and Windsor East in efforts to tackle the illegal occupation of property.

He said hijacked buildings severely affected the city’s revenue collection programmes.

A residential building that collapsed due to a fire was turned into an illicit factory that manufactures furniture.

Kunene said the city would be looking to demolish the building, saying it was not in an ideal condition to be housing people.

“Criminal elements are occupying buildings. Do you know how much money the city is losing in rates and taxes?”

While Monday was Kunene’s last day as acting mayor, he said more eviction programmes would be held by the city.

-EWN

In other news – DJ Maphorisa & his bae, Thuli Phongolo resolve their matter privately

South African award-winning DJ Maphorisa and his girlfriend Thuli Phongolo, have broken his silence following assault allegations leveled against him by her.

Last week, the Amapiano DJ appeared at the Randburg Magistrate’s court on a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. In an unexpected move, Phongolo dropped the charge and the DJ was released on R4000 bail. Learn More