Hijacked Building in Joburg Resealed After Illegal Break-In

A hijacked building on De Villiers Street in Johannesburg has been resealed after footage surfaced showing a group of men breaking down one of its walls.

The video quickly went viral on social media, sparking public concern over safety and law enforcement in the city.

[WATCH] A group of illegal foreigners breaking into a hijacked government building in Johannesburg after JMPD sealed it off. They forcibly reopened it in broad daylight, defying authorities, to use building to store goods they sell in the streets.

[Read]https://t.co/90JmPvvxix pic.twitter.com/xiyl170c1i

— THE TRUTH PANTHER (@TheTruthPanther) February 25, 2025

City officials crack down on noncompliance

City of Johannesburg Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku visited the site to assess the situation and reaffirm the city’s stance on illegal building occupations.

“I’m at 65 De Villiers Street, where disturbing footage showed an individual breaking in. I assure you this building is still sealed, and no one will be allowed to operate here until it is fully compliant,” Tshwaku said.

He emphasized that any unauthorized attempt to occupy the building would not be tolerated.

“Any judge who issued an order allowing this building to operate will need to personally inspect it. We have Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officers and emergency services on-site. The city is being cleaned up, and law enforcement is in full force.”

Illegal activities to be eradicated

Tshwaku made it clear that unregulated trade in the area would not be permitted.

“No one will be allowed to sell anything without the necessary permits. Furthermore, undocumented individuals will be processed by Home Affairs. We are not going to allow anarchy in the city,” he said.

Despite reports that some individuals claimed to have a court order allowing them to operate the building, Tshwaku maintained that it remains noncompliant and unsafe.

“I’ve heard claims of a court order from so-called owners, but the fact is this building was closed by emergency services for noncompliance. It has no approved safety plan or escape routes, making it a death trap in case of an emergency. This building will not reopen, and De Villiers Street has been shut down,” he asserted.

Tshwaku assured residents that authorities would remain on-site to enforce city bylaws and prevent further illegal activity.

“Every shop must comply with regulations. Law enforcement will be here overnight to ensure that no one undermines the authority of the city.”

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