Johannesburg – An alleged property hijacker has been arrested following a City of Johannesburg enforcement operation at a property on Grosvenor Road in Bryanston.
The arrest stems from a December 2025 raid in which more than 40 people, including undocumented foreign nationals, were detained and over 20 illegal Wendy houses were discovered on the property.
According to The Citizen, authorities uncovered a criminal syndicate illegally controlling the site and charging occupants R2,000 per room per month.
♦️BREAKING NEWS♦️
Lawrence, the suspect linked to the hijacking of a property on Grosvenor Road, Bryanston, has been arrested in a decisive operation led by the MMC for Public Safety.
During the operation, a firearm and live ammunition were recovered, vehicles were impounded,… pic.twitter.com/GGf4jFjdzr
— COJ People’s MMC Public Safety (@PublicSafetyMMC) January 8, 2026
Follow-up inspections confirmed that the arrested suspect was collecting rent, with multiple occupants implicating him.
“Lawrence, the suspect linked to the hijacking of a property on Grosvenor Road, Bryanston, has been arrested in a decisive operation led by the MMC for Public Safety,” MMC for Public Safety, Mgcini Tshwaku said in a post on X.
“During the operation, a firearm and live ammunition were recovered, vehicles were impounded, City Power disconnected illegal electricity connections, illegal water connections were cut, and illegal Wendy houses were removed, restoring lawful control of the property.”
A firearm, live ammunition, suspicious items and vehicles were seized, while illegal electricity and water connections were disconnected.
#JMPD Acting Chief of Police Director Eldred Fortein has joined the @CityofJoburgZA Municipal Manager Mr FloydBrink to conduct a follow-up inspection at a hijacked property at Grosvenor Street in Bryanston, which had been identified by the MMC for Public Safety @MTshwaku
last… pic.twitter.com/IRggy555UY— Jo’burg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) January 8, 2026
The city revealed the property has an outstanding municipal bill of about R1.2 million and that utilities had been tampered with, posing serious safety risks.
Some residents claimed they were misled by a person posing as the owner and asked for time to relocate.
Further investigations revealed that both electricity and water had been illegally connected to the property & was disconnected immediately.
Lawlessness will not be tolerated in the City of Johannesburg. pic.twitter.com/753GDmAimL
— Jo’burg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) January 8, 2026
City officials reiterated a zero-tolerance approach to property hijacking and said investigations are under way into at least 17 other properties in nearby wards suspected of similar illegal activities.
“The hijacking of buildings, illegal occupation of properties & unlawful connections to municipal services are serious criminal offences that undermine public safety, service delivery & the rule of law. This operation sends a clear & firm message that lawlessness will not be tolerated.”
Residents are strongly warned to refrain from hijacking buildings or participating in illegal rental activities. The City will continue to act decisively against those who exploit communities, violate municipal by-laws & the national legislation.
Compliance with the law is… pic.twitter.com/gQC723LKVn
— Jo’burg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) January 8, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
