WATCH | Filthy rooms, fake landlords — 90 undocumented migrants found in Houghton mansion

Johannesburg – In a coordinated raid on Wednesday night, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officers and Public Safety officials uncovered over 90 undocumented foreign nationals living in “deplorable conditions” inside an abandoned property in the upmarket suburb of Houghton.

The raid was part of the City of Johannesburg’s ongoing nightlife safety operation. Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement descended on the property and conducted a thorough search, uncovering a network of hidden rooms and makeshift living spaces divided by curtains.

According to a statement from the office of the City’s MMC for Public Safety, the undocumented individuals were found to be paying rent to another undocumented foreign national, who allegedly answers to a third-party figure identified as a white male.

“Despite suspicions of exploitation, law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the premises, specifically looking for evidence of human trafficking or narcotics.

♦️Happening Now♦️

In a swift and calculated response to a tip-off, the Public Safety Department and the JMPD, as part of our ongoing nightlife operation, descended upon a property in the heart of Houghton after receiving intelligence regarding undocumented foreign nationals… pic.twitter.com/Z9OVtozQhr

— COJ People’s MMC Public Safety (@PublicSafetyMMC) June 18, 2025

“However, no such evidence was found during the operation, confirming that the primary violation was related to illegal immigration and the unauthorised occupation of property,” said the MMC’s office via their official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Investigations into the individuals involved in collecting rent and facilitating the occupation are ongoing.

♦️Happening Now♦️

These 90 undocumented foreign nationals were found to be paying rent to another undocumented foreign national, who in turn reports to a third-party figure, a white male.

Despite suspicions of exploitation, law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the… pic.twitter.com/WcQHuoReRD

— COJ People’s MMC Public Safety (@PublicSafetyMMC) June 18, 2025

The discovery has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement against illegal property occupation and raised concerns about how vulnerable communities are being exploited under the radar.

The City has not yet confirmed whether immigration officials will be deporting the individuals involved or if humanitarian support will be provided.

Compiled by Betha Madhomu