Councilor Grandi Theunissen, Tshwane MMC for community safety, told eNCA that these hijackings have become rife in Gauteng. Syndicates that in the past took over abandoned, dilapidated or neglected buildings, mostly in industrial CBD’s, are now taking over homes in residential areas. The homes are then rented out to unsuspecting tenants. 

Their main targets are owners living outside the country or province where the property is situated, estates of deceased people, but also vulnerable people. They forge ownership documents, making it difficult for the real owners to reclaim their property.

It is alarming that there are reports of syndicates working with the help of individuals at the deeds office. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and other city officials have undertaken operations to reclaim these properties.

According to the City of Johannesburg’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS), hundreds of buildings have been illegally occupied, resulting in urban decay, crime, loss of revenue and the exploiting of vulnerable people, charging them rent while staying in unsafe and crowded conditions.

It is a lengthy process for the legal owners to reclaim their property. They can expect legal battles and costs, threats of violence from hijackers, and alternative housing for displaced occupants. To top it all, the owner remains responsible for rates and taxes and utility services. Legal costs for the owner can easily exceed R800.000, and are seldom recoverable.

According to Dominic Steyn, attorney at Cowan-Harper-Madikizela attorneys, owners have to rely on the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (PIE Act) to evict unlawful occupiers. This act has not been amended to keep up with syndicates. The Department of Human Settlements also pointed out the need for stronger legislation and enforcement mechanisms to protect property rights.