Alleged hijackers of building in court

Three alleged female property hijackers who took over a block of flats in Bellevue East in Johannesburg this week will appear in court today, mayor Herman Mashaba said yesterday.

They were arrested on Friday night after a sting operation led by the city’s group forensic and investigation service (GFIS) department and the South African Police Service, he said.

The three women were expected to appear in the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court on charges of contravening section 3 (1) of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act and fraud.

“It is alleged that the suspects, who were tenants in Doreen Court, hijacked the property from the owner in May 2008.

“They reneged on their obligation to pay monthly rent to the owner and subsequently sublet the property to unsuspecting individuals,” Mashaba said.

The suspected hijackers were unlawfully collecting monthly rent from the subtenants and denying the owner access to his property.

“I am delighted that another property owner has finally regained control of their property which was in the hands of the hijackers.

“This brings the total number of properties handed back to rightful owners to 29,” he said.

“Criminals must know that they may run but there is no place for them to hide in Johannesburg.

“It is essential that we bring the rule of law back in our city.

“We must take back control from criminal elements, such as landlords who take advantage of desperate people and house them in deplorable conditions.” – ANA