DURBAN - Durban Metro Police uncovered an illegal tavern and suspected drug activity during an early morning raid on a hijacked building on Monday.
The property, near the Warwick Triangle, is believed to be a hub for various criminal activities. Officials also uncovered other illegal operations as part of efforts to reclaim abandoned buildings in the Durban CBD.
Authorities have also declared the building a fire hazard.
Law enforcement said the raid was prompted by the property’s failure to comply with municipal by-laws.
Officers found multiple makeshift structures inside the building, where they estimate around 100 people are living. Police also discovered illegal taverns operating on the premises.
No arrests had been made at the time, but several people were taken in for questioning.
Police said residents are paying up to R700 a month to rent the makeshift structures inside the building.