The operation, to focus on Hillbrow, Yeoville and Berea, will be a joint force by members of SAPS, Home Affairs and the ministry of justice.
“The joint task force will crack down illegal immigrants and criminals,” said an unidentified officer. “Criminal activities are on the rise during the Christmas and New Year holiday and it has become a tradition that Zimbabweans flock here in their thousands. Since the launch of the operation three years ago it has been a success and this year we are looking at arresting and deporting a significant number of criminals,” he added. Â
Meanwhile, the Jozi Central Methodist Church, home to more than 1 500 Zimbabweans, has called on the City Council to stop evicting Zimbabweans staying in “unfit” buildings without providing alternative accommodation.
The church made the call after recent evicts left more than 700 Zimbabweans homeless with their property scattered over the streets of Johannesburg inner City following the City of Joburg’s crackdown.
“We condemn the recent evictions which left a large number of Zimbabweans homeless,” said church elder Nicholas Sithole.
About 25 000 people, both locals and foreigners, face an uncertain future as the City fathers continue with plans to evict people from dilapidated buildings.
According to Johannesburg Inner City Regeneration Strategy, eliminating such socio-economic sinkholes will increase property value, raise private sector investment and help transform Jozi into a world-class Africa city. – Allen Muzhingi
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