The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlements in the City of Johannesburg, Mlungisi Mabaso, has cautioned “landlords” in informal settlements to stop demanding money for government services. 

In a statement, Mabaso said the services are provided free of charge to deserving residents. 

This warning comes after the department relocated over 300 families who were victims of shack fires in KwaMaiMai in June. The families were temporarily sheltered at Hofland Park Community Centre until Friday. 

The families were relocated to Kaserne Informal Settlement on Friday. During the relocation process, it was established that some of the new structures were locked by these “landlords”, who demanded payment from residents before they could occupy the new shacks. Law enforcement was called in on to break the locks and give residents access to the temporary homes. 

“We cannot allow illegal activities in our communities. No one can demand payment for government services that are provided free of charge. We do not recognise these so-called landlords, in fact, they are criminals defrauding desperate residents,” said Mabaso. 

The issue of “landlords” is prevalent in many informal settlements and other government properties. 

“These illegal landlords cannot claim government property as their own. I urge community members to work with the department to report anyone who demands money for government services so that we can clamp down on this lawlessness and victimisation of vulnerable people.” 

They can report fraudulent activities to Group Forensic and Investigation Service’s toll-free hotline: 0800 002 587 or email: whistle@joburg.org.za