DailySun
Johannesburg – Authorities have arrested five individuals for unlawfully drilling boreholes in the inner city, specifically at the junction of Main and Fox Streets.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) reported that the arrests took place on Monday, December 23, 2024.
The JMPD Tactical Response Unit detained the suspects while looking into reports of unauthorized borehole drilling activities near Nugget Street.
“Further investigations revealed that two other buildings on Durban and Delvers Streets were also engaged in illegal borehole drilling, carried out without the necessary permits or approvals from the City of Johannesburg,” the JMPD stated.
“The operator of the drilling truck at the main site was taken into custody alongside those implicated in the drilling at the other two locations.”
All five male suspects are currently in custody at the Johannesburg Central Police Station and are facing charges related to tampering with critical infrastructure.
The JMPD has also seized the drilling equipment used at all three locations.
Officials warned that all drilling activities within the City of Johannesburg must be conducted with the proper permits and approvals.
“Unauthorized drilling can cause severe damage to underground infrastructure, including cables and pipelines,” the JMPD stressed.
“The JMPD is committed to ensuring public safety and will continue to act against those who violate city regulations and ordinances.”
