“We Will Deal With You Decisively From November 5” — Malema Warns Hijacked Building Occupants

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has issued a stern warning to people occupying hijacked buildings in Johannesburg, declaring that the party wants illegal occupation of properties to be dealt with decisively, regardless of the nationality of those involved.

Malema made the remarks while addressing supporters, saying that people who illegally occupy buildings in the city should face consequences from November 5.

“We don’t care whether you’re South African or Nigerian. If you hijack a building in Johannesburg, from the 5th of November, you are a criminal, and we are going to deal with you decisively,” Malema said.

His comments come amid growing concerns about the occupation of buildings in Johannesburg, where several properties have reportedly fallen under the control of individuals who occupy them without the permission of property owners.

The issue of hijacked buildings has remained a major concern for the City of Johannesburg, with authorities repeatedly raising alarm over illegal electricity connections, water theft, overcrowding, fire hazards and deteriorating living conditions in some properties.

Malema’s remarks suggest that the EFF intends to place the issue of building hijackings firmly on the political agenda, particularly as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the November 4 local government elections.

The EFF leader has previously argued that Johannesburg’s abandoned and hijacked buildings should be reclaimed by the municipality and converted into affordable housing and student accommodation.

He believes that properties currently being illegally occupied could serve a greater public purpose if they were properly managed and made available to people struggling to secure affordable accommodation.

However, the issue remains complex, as thousands of people living in inner-city buildings face housing insecurity and difficult economic circumstances.

While illegal occupation and criminal activities associated with hijacked buildings require intervention, housing advocates have also warned against measures that could leave vulnerable families without alternative accommodation.

Malema’s latest statement is likely to generate debate, particularly because he specifically mentioned South Africans and Nigerians, two groups frequently drawn into discussions surrounding Johannesburg’s inner-city housing crisis.

His warning also raises questions about how the proposed action would be implemented and which authorities would be responsible for enforcing the law.

Any intervention would need to follow established legal procedures, with law enforcement agencies and municipal authorities operating within their respective mandates.

For now, Malema has made his position clear: nationality should not provide protection for anyone involved in hijacking buildings.

His comments are expected to keep the controversial issue of property occupation, housing shortages and law enforcement at the centre of political discussions in Johannesburg.