Johannesburg's City Power has disconnected electricity to a property in Houghton after discovering 90 undocumented foreign nationals residing in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. The operation, conducted on Wednesday, was a joint effort by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the city's public safety department.
Authorities deemed the premises a health hazard due to severe overcrowding and unsanitary living conditions. The discovery also revealed suspected illegal electricity connections, leading to what City Power classified as a 'level-3' disconnection.
A level-3 disconnection is the most severe form of power cut, involving the removal of both feeder and internal cables from the property. This drastic measure highlights the severity of the situation and the potential dangers posed by the illegal connections.
City Power has stated that this action is part of a broader initiative to combat the abuse of municipal infrastructure and address the growing problem of hijacked and unsafe buildings throughout Johannesburg. The utility company is committed to cracking down on illegal activities that strain the city's resources and endanger the lives of residents.
The incident raises serious concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the need for stricter enforcement of building codes and immigration laws. It also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the City of Johannesburg in addressing issues related to illegal immigration, overcrowding, and the misuse of municipal services.
This situation will likely spark further debate and action regarding housing regulations and immigration policies in the city. Residents and officials alike are hoping this signals a turning point in clamping down on similar exploitative situations throughout the region.