The suspected hijacking of another high-end home is part of a broader multi-agency operation led by the City of Johannesburg.

This follows last week’s arrest of a suspect linked to the hijacking of a luxury home on Grosvenor Road in Bryanston, as investigations widened to at least 17 other properties in the area.

This led to authorities targeting two high-value properties on Bryanston Drive earlier this week.

The operation involved the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and several municipal departments.

One of the properties has been classified as a problem site. Officials believe it is being used as an unauthorised multi-unit dwelling.

The registered owners are reportedly not living on the premises.

City authorities said the house appears overcrowded and is operating without approval, raising concerns about health and safety risks for the occupants.

Investigators are now checking whether water and electricity connections at the property are legal.

Another former plush home hijacked

A second property in the same area is under investigation for alleged property hijacking. The City says information suggests the house may have been taken over without the lawful owner’s consent.

Municipal arrears at this second property are estimated at about R1.1 million.

During the operation, officials encountered a man who said he was in the process of buying the property. He was advised to follow legal procedures, including applying for an eviction order against illegal occupants.

Authorities proceeded to disconnect illegal water and electricity connections at the site.

Some reports suggest that the same mastermind from the Grosvenor Road property is behind the suspected hijacked property on Bryanston Drive.

Two occupants, one from each property on Bryanston Drive, were detained by immigration officials. They are believed to be undocumented foreign nationals.

City of Johannesburg Manager Dr. Floyd Brink said property hijackings and illegal land use are undermining community safety while also straining municipal services.

“These interventions form part of an ongoing, multi-departmental strategy to reclaim hijacked buildings, enforce by-laws, protect communities, and hold perpetrators accountable,” said Brink.

“No individual or group is above the law.”