Over 90 illegal immigrants arrested in Houghton during major crime operation

Joburg MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, who on Wednesday night led a crime-fighting operation in Houghton, Sandton, has confirmed the arrest of more than 90 illegal immigrants at a hijacked house in the area.

According to the MMC, the 90 undocumented foreign nationals were found to be paying rent to another undocumented foreign national, who in turn reports to a third-party figure said to be a white male.

It was revealed that while there were concerns about human trafficking and exploitation, authorities found no concrete evidence of these allegations during the operation.

As a result, the authorities have marked the premises for closure while the remaining residents were processed for either deportation or legal proceedings.

Tshwaku indicated that the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and other law enforcement agencies will continue to monitor the house to prevent future illegal reoccupation as the city continues to clamp down on hijacked buildings and the city's growing illegal immigration problem.

"The premises have been officially marked for closure, with the remaining residents being processed and either deported or held for legal proceedings. The JMPD will maintain a monitoring presence to ensure no further illegal reoccupation occurs while the official shutdown of the property is completed.

"We urge the public to play their part — spot illegal factories, unlawful property settlements, or major bylaw infringements, and bring them to us! Your tip-offs are key to keeping our city safe and compliant. However, no such evidence was found during the operation, confirming that the primary violation was related to illegal immigration and the unauthorised occupation of property," the MMC stated.

The raid also resulted in the discovery of the alleged rental collector, who was found hiding in the bushes after he ran away from law enforcement officials.

"In a twist during the raid, the rent collector for the illegal occupants was found hiding in the overgrown grass behind the house. After a quick search, this discovery adds another layer to the operation, highlighting the organised nature of the illegal settlement and the attempt to conceal evidence. The rent collector, now in custody, will face further investigation regarding their role in the operation and potential connections to the orchestrators," Tshwaku said.

The illegal immigrants were found to be living in deplorable conditions as they had divided the occupied spaces with curtains to create makeshift rooms — a common trend in most hijacked buildings across the city centre.

Meanwhile, Tshwaku has also commended members of the City of Johannesburg’s Tactical Response Unit (Flexi Shift DEA & UA Shift Region G) for having apprehended a wanted hitman and kidnapping suspect in Vlakfontein, south of Joburg.

It is reported that the suspect was found in possession of a stolen Glock 19 with a serial number filed off and 11 live rounds.

"The firearm had been reported stolen. The suspect attempted to flee on foot and sustained minor injury upon capture. He was immediately arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and is currently detained. The firearm has been booked as evidence. Well done to TRU for the swift and precise operation," he added.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za