Concerns raised over inhumane conditions in Jhb’s hijacked buildings

Scenes at a a suspected illegal blanket manufacturing factory in Industria West in Johannesburg where officials pounced on hijacked buildings on 07 July 2025.

The MMC for Human Settlements Mlungisi Mabaso has raised serious concerns over the inhumane living conditions in hijacked buildings across Johannesburg.

His remarks come after an operation led by himself and Acting Mayor Kenny Kunene in Industria West, as part of the city’s ongoing crackdown on illegal occupations.

Several undocumented foreign nationals, including individuals from Malawi, Zimbabwe and China were arrested.

The team also raided a suspected illegal blanket manufacturing factory where they were met with a foul stench and scenes of neglect.

Inside the derelict building, people were found hiding beneath piles of blankets with no ventilation or proper sanitation.

#Bootsontheground‼️Day 2 of the Mayor’s High Impact Service Delivery Operation in Industria.

Joburg MMC For Community Development Cllr Tebogo Nkokou said they arrested about 10 illegal immigrants & disconnected illegal electricity connections. @CityofJoburgZA pic.twitter.com/BjIatW7tML

— Joburg MMC For Community Development (@CllrNkokou) July 7, 2025

Mabaso says Johannesburg cannot be surrendered to criminals.

“I mean here right where we are, there are people who are residing here. There is the South African lady living with six children. I mean, we are finding it difficult to breathe here. So, we are wondering how these children are surviving in this kind of environment. So, those are the things that we need to deal with because we can’t really surrender our city to criminals. You know, they’ve taken over and we must be hard on them so that we are able to bring back law and order in the City of Johannesburg.”