JOHANNESBURG - A hijacked property in Bryanston, Johannesburg, is said to have incurred over R1 million in water and electricity debt.
A man believed to be the hijacker of the property was arrested on Thursday.
City of Johannesburg officials revisited the unlawfully occupied mansion valued at R5.1 million as part of a follow-up compliance verification.
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During the inspection, it was found that water and electricity had been illegally connected despite having been previously cut off.
City Manager Floyd Brink says this has been going on for months. The last payment on the property was over three years ago.
Brink says the City will absorb the debt of the property owned by a divorced couple.
One of the owners, who is currently in the hospital, has provided a statement confirming that occupants were living there without her permission.
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Brink also says the City obtained three additional statements from the tenants who had implicated the arrested man.
During the first inspection, at least 70 people were found to be living on the property. With the second inspection, about 10 were left and will be process by the relevant officials.