Joburg cracks the whip

Operation targets crime spots in city

Three people were arrested on Wednesday for illegal electricity connections as part of the City of Johannesburg’s anticrime initiative Operation #BuyaMthetho.

Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba said the operation was conducted in Doornfontein‚ Troyeville‚ Industria North‚ Brixton and Crosby.

“A hijacked building was also identified during the operation in Troyeville. The details of the building have been handed over to the City’s group forensic and investigation service (GFIS) for further investigation,” Mashaba said yesterday.

“Three people were also arrested for illegal connection to the city’s electricity. Of these suspects‚ one was also found to have vandalised a water meter.

“They are all expected to appear in court today.

Operation #Buya Mthetho is a new multi-departmental operation aimed at enforcing bylaws and bringing the rule of law to Johannesburg.

Key departments that are part of the operation include various city departments and entities such as GFIS‚ Johannesbur Metro Police Department, environmental health‚ social development‚ infrastructure services‚ the city’s legal department‚ and development planning.

The operation will be conducted on a daily basis as a ward-based “raid” initiative. –