Shocking scenes have emerged from hijacked buildings in Johannesburg, where authorities recently carried out a major operation to tackle illegal occupations. The operation took place in Industria West, uncovering not just unlawful residency, but also a suspected illegal blanket manufacturing factory operating in grim conditions.
Authorities were met with a disturbing environment: the building reeked of neglect, lacked proper ventilation, and had no sanitation facilities. People were found living in cramped spaces, hiding beneath piles of blankets in an atmosphere barely fit for human habitation.
Among those affected was a South African woman living with six children. The air was so thick and unpleasant that even visitors struggled to breathe, raising deep concerns about how families—especially young children—are surviving in such conditions.
The official leading the operation expressed frustration, saying Johannesburg cannot be handed over to lawlessness. “These criminals have taken over. We must act firmly to restore order in our city,” he said.
Several undocumented individuals from various countries, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, and China, were taken into custody during the operation.
This is part of a wider campaign to clamp down on the growing number of illegally occupied buildings across the city—a problem that continues to pose both legal and humanitarian challenges.