In informal settlements, unlawful landlords have been advised by the City of Johannesburg Human Settlements to stop charging for services provided by the government.
The alert follows the department’s relocation of more than 300 families who were affected by shack fires in KwaMaiMai in June.
Until Friday, when they were moved to Kaserne Informal Settlement, the family were temporarily housed at Hofland Park Community Center.
It was discovered throughout the transfer process that some of the new buildings had been locked by shady landlords who required rent to be paid in advance of occupants moving in.
The residents were granted entry to the temporary dwellings after law enforcement was called to pick the locks.
Mlungisi Mabaso, a member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements in the City, emphasised that the services are offered without charge to eligible citizens.
“We can’t let illicit activity take place in our neighbourhoods. Nobody has the right to demand payment for government services that are free of charge.
We do not recognise these so-called landlords; in reality, they are thieves taking advantage of helpless tenants, Mabaso remarked.
In many informal settlements and other government-owned properties, unlawful landlords are a problem, according to Mabaso.
These unauthorised landlords are unable to claim public property as their own.
I implore the community to cooperate with the department in reporting anyone who requests payment for government services so that we can put a stop to this lawlessness and the victimisation of weak individuals, the MMC stated.
Fraudulent acts can be reported to Group Forensic and Investigation Service via email at whistle@joburg.org.za or by calling their toll-free hotline at 0800 002 587.