SERI urges SAPS to play active role in efforts to reclaim hijacked buildings in Joburg

JOHANNESBURG - The Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) is urging the South African Police Service (SAPS) to play a more active role in ongoing efforts to reclaim hijacked buildings in Johannesburg CBD.

This comes in the wake of findings from the commission of inquiry into the illegal occupation of properties in the CBD, which highlighted the city’s failure to manage its own buildings effectively.

The commission's report also finds that the city's lack of by-law enforcement has contributed to the high number of hijacked buildings in the inner city.

SERI's director for research and advocacy, Lauren Royston, said the police must support the metro in addressing this growing problem.

READ MORE:

CoJ evacuating hijacked buildings after Usindiso fire

Joburg Human Settlements identifies 11 hijacked buildings, occupants face eviction

Hijacked buildings: Finding alternative accommodation a challenge – Safety MMC

"Where there is criminal activity, we support the South African Police Service (SAPS) taking action because the people living in these buildings are living in criminal environments. We want to see SAPS playing its role, but we want to see it doing so lawfully."