Tip-Off Uncovers 90 Undocumented Foreigners in Abandoned Houghton Mansion

Child trafficking attempt foiled in separate bust in Matatiele, Eastern Cape

A late-night tip-off has led to a major breakthrough in Johannesburg’s fight against illegal immigration and property hijacking. At least 90 undocumented foreign nationals were found squatting in an abandoned property in Houghton, one of Joburg’s most affluent suburbs.

The raid, spearheaded by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and the City’s Public Safety Department, forms part of a broader effort to clean up illegal nightlife and housing operations. The suspects were found in deplorable conditions, living in makeshift rooms sectioned off by curtains inside a once-grand home.

Organised settlement with ‘rent collector’ hiding in the grass

City of Joburg MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, confirmed the discovery. “They were paying rent to another undocumented foreigner, who in turn allegedly reported to a third figure, a white man believed to be orchestrating the illegal operation,” Tshwaku revealed.

The so-called rent collector was discovered hiding in overgrown grass behind the property in a failed bid to avoid arrest. He is now in custody and will face further investigations.

“While suspicions of human trafficking and narcotics were high, the police found no supporting evidence of those crimes,” Tshwaku clarified. “The primary offence remains illegal immigration and unlawful occupation.”

Property marked for closure JMPD to monitor

The abandoned home, now designated for official closure, will remain under watch by JMPD officers to prevent reoccupation.

Tshwaku urged residents to remain vigilant. “If you see illegal factories, hijacked buildings, or major bylaw infringements, report them. Your tip-offs help keep the city safe.”

Separate child trafficking bust in Matatiele saves 10 minors

In a shocking parallel incident, police in Matatiele (Eastern Cape) arrested two men involved in an alleged human trafficking operation involving ten children.

The suspects, aged 40 and 20, were apprehended following a community tip-off. The 40-year-old, a Lesotho national with no valid papers, claimed to be transporting the children to Pietermaritzburg to reunite them with their mothers.

However, the children aged between 6 and 13, refuted his story, telling police they didn’t know the man and were lured from Qacha’s Nek in Lesotho under false promises.

Police confirm illegal border crossing

Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said, “The children crossed illegally into South Africa through an unofficial route near Paqama. The suspects now face charges under the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act and the Immigration Act.”

The Department of Social Development has taken the ten children into a safe home, where they are receiving care and support.

“This intervention may have saved them from a life of abuse,” said Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso. “We urge the public to continue reporting suspicious activity, especially involving children or undocumented movements.”

Crackdown gaining momentum, but gaps remain

Both cases underscore the seriousness of illegal immigration and organised exploitation in South Africa — from hijacked homes in Johannesburg’s leafy suburbs to cross-border child smuggling.

While the public’s role in tipping off authorities remains vital, these incidents also highlight the need for tighter border controls, better property monitoring, and a stronger social safety net to prevent exploitation of vulnerable communities.

If you suspect illegal activity, call Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111.

{Source: The Citizen}

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