Two individuals have been apprehended in relation to the hijacking of a building in Hillbrow that lasted for over two decades.
The City of Johannesburg’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services Unit (GFIS), along with the newly launched JMPD Tactical Reaction Unit, police, and other agencies, conducted a joint operation to successfully recover the hijacked Claridge Court building on Friday.
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The suspects were handcuffed during the operation, while the remaining hijackers managed to flee when confronted by law enforcement agencies.
The privately owned building had been unlawfully occupied by four individuals for more than 20 years, despite the owner, Mr David Phahladira, and his children’s repeated attempts to reclaim it.
Thanks to the efforts of the GFIS Unit, Hillbrow Saps, and the JMPD TRU, two of the hijackers were arrested, and the building was successfully handed over to its rightful owner.
Johannesburg Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku hailed this recovery as a significant victory in the fight against hijacked buildings and a step towards reclaiming the inner city from lawlessness and criminal activities.
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Tshwaku emphasised the city’s commitment to eliminating hijackers and reclaiming all hijacked buildings from criminal syndicates. He also raised concerns about allegations involving Vermaak Attorneys, Jan Van De Bos, and the Masters of the Gauteng High Court, who are suspected of obtaining frivolous court orders and receiving preferential treatment in court matters.
Furthermore, Tshwaku highlighted the involvement of the deeds office, where ownerships are allegedly changed without the knowledge of the rightful owners. The two arrested individuals are scheduled to appear at Hillbrow Magistrates Court on Monday.
