Govt targets over 2,400 hijacked buildings in nationwide crackdown
Aiming to reclaim properties used for criminal activities, the government outlines key interventions.
The Full Story
South Africa's government has identified approximately 2,400 hijacked and non-compliant buildings in major metropolitan municipalities as part of an intensified effort to combat criminal activity linked to these properties. Justice Minister Mamoloko Kubayi disclosed this information during an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) briefing on migration, highlighting the government's commitment to reclaiming these properties and addressing urban decay. Minister Kubayi emphasized that municipalities must act swiftly to investigate and manage hijacked buildings according to existing bylaws and enforcement measures.
The enforcement of evictions or building remediation, however, has faced significant delays due to an inability to place occupants in temporary accommodations, raising concerns about how municipalities can responsibly execute these measures. The Constitutional Court has confirmed that it is the municipalities' responsibility to provide emergency accommodation. In the IMC's report, contributions from various municipalities—including Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Cape Town—shed light on the widespread issue, pointing out that all eight metropolitan areas possess adequate mechanisms to deal with hijacked buildings, yet none have requested any additional powers.
In response to the situation, the government has established three priority interventions aimed at tackling the hijacked-building crisis: formulation of a national funding model for temporary accommodation led by the Department of Human Settlements, prioritization of hijacked-building cases in the justice system, and the adoption of a uniform reporting template for consistent measurements across municipalities. At a recent meeting, municipal leaders raised alarms regarding the significant revenue losses incurred from hijacked properties due to unpaid rates and high utility consumption. They proposed repurposing vacant buildings for student accommodation and affordable housing as a means to address both urban decay and criminal exploitation.
The crackdown on hijacked buildings is part of a wider five-point migration management plan aimed at restoring public confidence in the country's migration system. This initiative focuses on enhancing law enforcement, securing borders, and modernizing migration frameworks to foster cooperation across regional partners. The IMC's report underscores the urgent need for multidisciplinary law enforcement operations to target illegal activities linked to hijacked buildings, and to combat organized crime syndicates operating within these spaces.
These criminal groups reportedly engage in illegal rent collection and exploit vulnerable occupants, necessitating a multifaceted approach to reclaim these hijacked properties effectively. Overall, the government's determined approach signals a commitment to not only reclaim these buildings but also enhance the urban landscape of South Africa's cities. As they embark on this initiative, community support and collaboration will be crucial in ensuring its success and restoring order in affected areas. The government is calling for collective action as they continue to navigate this complex and pressing issue.
Why It Matters
By targeting hijacked buildings, the government aims to restore safety and order in urban areas, thereby improving living conditions and community well-being. Addressing these challenges is essential for urban development and reducing crime rates in metropolitan regions.
What's Next
As the government begins implementing its three priority interventions, municipalities will work closely with judicial bodies to prioritize cases related to hijacked properties. Increased law enforcement activities aimed at tackling organized crime in these areas are expected in the near term.