26-07-2025
WATCH: Operation Dudula protests Rosettenville hijacked building and illegal connections
Members of the anti-migrant group operating under the slogan Put South Africa First gather at JC Lucas Park in Rosettenville on Saturday morning to protest what they claim are hijacked buildings and illegal electricity connections in the area.
Led by Operation Dudula, protesters carry the movement's banner and wave the South African flag while chanting anti-immigrant slogans through the streets, including Main, Verona, Mabel and Violet.
Traffic backed up on Main Street
The march causes traffic disruptions along Main Street as the group moves through the area.
Officials from Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) and City Power are seen at one of the buildings in question.
A strong police presence is also evident, comprising officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
@ Traffic backed up on Main Street The march causes traffic disruptions along Main Street as the group moves through the area. Officials from Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) and City Power are seen at one of the buildings in question. A strong police presence is also evident, comprising officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). Full story on ♬ original sound – Southern Courier
Claims of hijacked buildings and illegal connections
Siphiwe Shabangu, a national executive committee member of Operation Dudula, alleges that the building being inspected is hijacked by Congolese nationals and the City of Johannesburg is not collecting any municipal revenue from it.
'This building is hijacked. There is only one South African staying here, and he works as a caretaker,' says Shabangu. 'The City is losing revenue. This building owes R12 million in electricity and R20 million in water.'
Shabangu also claims that illegal electricity connections are common in such buildings and that many are owned by the government.
'We don't know who the police are protecting. Even at hospitals, police are present. We suspect they are here to arrest illegal immigrants and help restore order,' he says.
Officials refused entry
During the protest, police refused entry to both the Operation Dudula marchers and City officials on the premises.
'We are here so that South Africans can occupy this building and the City can collect revenue,' Shabangu says.
Tensions with law enforcement
Shabangu alleges that a police officer, identified as Captain Mathebula, instructs officers to prevent City Power from carrying out disconnections.
@ Siphiwe Shabangu, a national executive committee member of Operation Dudula, alleges that the building being inspected is hijacked by Congolese nationals and the City of Johannesburg is not collecting any municipal revenue from it. 'This building is hijacked. There is only one South African staying here, and he works as a caretaker,' says Shabangu. 'The City is losing revenue. This building owes R12 million in electricity and R20 million in water.' Full story on ♬ original sound – Southern Courier
'We want to know if Captain Mathebula works for City Power or is an electrician to interfere,' says Shabangu.
'Police are stopping officials from disconnecting illegal power lines and restoring hijacked buildings. We want law and order to return.'
