JMPD nets 5 suspects for drilling illegal boreholes in the CBD

JOHANNESBURG - The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD)'s officers have arrested five suspects for damaging infrastructure by drilling illegal boreholes in the CBD.

JMPD’s Xolani Fihla says the operator of the drilling truck was arrested at the initial site, while the other suspects were nabbed while drilling at two other buildings.

He was responding to a report on the activity that the JMPD tactical response unit caught the first suspects near Nugget Street.

"Upon further investigation, it was established that two additional buildings along Durban and Delvers Street also had unauthorised borehole drilling conducted without the necessary documentation or approval from the City of Johannesburg.

"The JMPD has impounded the drilling equipment used at all three locations. The Department is following up on the matter and will take appropriate action against all those involved," explained Fihla.

The group has been detained at the Joburg Central Police Station.