CoJ claims it is making inroads with hijacked buildings in CBD
Last year’s Marshalltown fire, which claimed 77 lives, prompted the City of Joburg to start addressing the issue of hijacked buildings.
The remains of a building at the corner of Nugget and Commissioner Street in Johannesburg following a fire on 21 January 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The City of Johannesburg claims they have made inroads when it comes to hijacked buildings within the inner city.
According to the city, the courts recently ruled in their favour of nine cases regarding hijacked buildings.
This means the city can now begin the process of evicting those illegally occupying those buildings.
Last year’s Marshalltown fire, which claimed 77 lives, prompted the City of Joburg to start addressing the issue of hijacked buildings.
But on Sunday, a similar situation unfolded when a two-storey building was intentionally set alight, claiming the lives of two people.
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The building, located on 44 Nugget Street, was hijacked years ago.
Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda said while the incident could have been averted, the city was trying its level best to do away with hijacked buildings.
"We have since taken 11 cases to court and out of those 11, we have nine rulings that are in the city’s favour."
He said this will now fast-track the eviction of those illegally occupying these buildings.
"It will enable the city to then evacuate the occupants of those particular buildings."
There are currently 188 hijacked buildings in Joburg, 14 belonging to the city and the rest privately owned.