Residents found occupying a hijacked property in the upmarket suburb of Bryanston say they were unaware that they were living there illegally.
The occupants were removed during a raid led by City of Johannesburg Manager Floyd Brink, accompanied by several city entities, including the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), City Power, Joburg Water, Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS) and Social Development.
The operation resulted in the disconnection of illegal water and electricity connections, the arrest of an alleged mastermind behind the illegal occupation, and the confiscation of unlicensed vehicles.
One of the occupants, Christopher Marumba (47), a Malawian national, said he had been living at the property with his wife and child for two years and was paying R1,800 in rent. He claims he did not know the occupation was unlawful.
“We didn’t know anything about the illegal occupation because he told us to stay here. He said this property is his. I can’t comment more than that,” Marumba said.
Marumba added that he survives on casual work in Kyalami. “I do piece jobs, so when I get money, I pay the rent. It’s R1,800.”
Another resident, Blessing Mabunda, also from Malawi, said she is uncertain about where she and her family will stay following the raid.
“I don’t know where I will stay, but next week I am planning to go back to Malawi. My husband is looking for a place in Randburg or Diepsloot,” Mabunda said.
She has been living at the property for three months with her husband and their 11-month-old baby.
Another occupant, Simon Tlakula (36), who said he is from the Elim area in Venda Limpopo refused to cooperate with officials and only responded briefly when questioned.
Several residents appeared fearful and declined to speak to the media, with some indicating they did not understand English or any local languages.
