Illegal occupation crackdown: Suspect arrested over R5.1 million Bryanston property

A suspect connected to an R5.1 million property in Bryanston that was unlawfully occupied and altered to house several people has been detained by the City of Johannesburg. 

Following years of lawlessness during which the occupants and the alleged landlord disregarded a seven-day notice to vacate in December 2025, City Manager Floyd Brink led a multidisciplinary operation that resulted in the arrest.

The landlord reportedly collected up to R2,000 a month from residents living in makeshift structures.

Previously, The Star reported that city officials visited the property to enforce a court-ordered relocation. The site, which housed over 400 people without water, electricity, or sanitation, has become a dumping ground. 

The alleged landlord had previously demanded R50,000 per family member, claiming he inherited the main building decades ago, while many residents refused official housing assessments and presented documents now suspected to be fraudulent.

During a December inspection, officials uncovered multiple illegal structures built to accommodate residents. Three witness statements directly linked the suspect to illicit rent collection. 

Authorities also confirmed he was in possession of a firearm, two licensed magazines, and ammunition. The case has been handed over to police, with further charges expected.

Brink described the situation as alarming. “There is a critical need to address these issues for the sake of our community’s safety and the city’s financial sustainability. We are actively investigating 17 additional properties across Wards 102 and 104 identified for similar illegal occupation,” he said.

Officials revealed that electricity and water services at the Bryanston property had been illegally reconnected, despite the rightful owner having disconnected them years ago. 

Brink warned that such connections place an unfair financial burden on law-abiding residents and emphasized that the city will enforce a zero-tolerance policy.

“We are taking immediate action to secure the property and will work with Social Development and Human Settlements teams to ensure residents are relocated through proper legal and social channels. In the coming weeks, residents can expect more operations addressing illegal occupations and unauthorised utility connections across our city,” Brink added.

The city has urged residents to report any suspicious activity related to property hijacking or illegal utility connections to authorities. 

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za