A total of 44 individuals were arrested and charged in terms of Section 49(1) of the Immigration Act during a coordinated multi-agency operation conducted on Thursday (09/04/2026) at the Field and Study Recreation Centre in Region E.
The arrests form part of a joint operation between the City of Johannesburg, the Department of Home Affairs, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other stakeholders aimed at addressing illegal occupation of public land and enforcing compliance with immigration laws.
The operation follows a court order obtained by the City to evict individuals who had unlawfully occupied the Field and Study Recreation Centre, a public open space managed by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo. Over time, the site had been taken over by informal recyclers, many of whom had erected makeshift and semi-permanent structures and were conducting unauthorised activities, including illegal trading.
This unlawful occupation has led to significant environmental degradation, including pollution and damage to the riverine ecosystem, undermining the intended use of the space as a recreational and conservation area for residents.
The operation was conducted with the support of the Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Leon Schreiber, senior government officials, municipal entities, and private security partners, reflecting a coordinated response across all spheres of government.
The City acknowledges that the issue of illegal occupation of public spaces is not unique to Region E and is increasingly affecting various parts of Johannesburg. This intervention is expected to serve as a pilot for similar operations aimed at reclaiming public land and restoring order in affected areas.
The City will further engage the Department of Human Settlements to explore appropriate relocation solutions in line with the court order and relevant legislation.
The City of Johannesburg remains committed to protecting public spaces, enforcing by-laws, and ensuring compliance with the laws of the Republic.
The breakdown of those arrested is as follows:
Lesotho: 31 males, 4 females
Malawi: 5 males
Mozambique: 2 males
Zimbabwe: 4 males
All individuals a appeared before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Issued by the City of Johannesburg
