City of Joburg takes decisive action following DJ Warras murder with raid at Zambezi House

The City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, Mgcini Tshwaku, has led a high-profile raid on Zambezi House, the building linked to the tragic killing of renowned DJ Warrick Stock, better known as DJ Warras.

This operation marks a significant law enforcement response to escalating violence in the city, particularly following the murder that shocked the community last Tuesday. The building, which houses around 250 occupants, reportedly has about half of its tenants not paying rent.

Tshwaku indicated that he has a list of 37 people who were not paying rent and had formed a faction that could have stirred the hornet's nest, leading to the brutal murder of the former Y-FM spinner.

"A cellphone has been confiscated from one of the 37 individuals identified as non-paying occupants at the Zambezi Building. Enforcement and verification processes are ongoing to ensure full compliance," Tshwaku stated..

On Thursday night, Tshwaku was visibly engaged in the enforcement efforts, providing direct operational guidance as law enforcement officers began the arduous process of verifying the identities and legal statuses of residents within the building.

This crackdown resulted in the confiscation of a cellphone from one of the identified individuals among a group of 37 non-paying occupants, a move reflecting the MMC's commitment to restoring safety and order in the area.

“It cannot be business as usual. You need to ransack the city. You must make this town ungovernable to criminals,” Tshwaku declared to members of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department. His impassioned remarks underscored the urgency of the situation, as officials strive to regain control and reassure the public following a series of violent incidents. “Something is going to give because they think they can just shoot people and nothing is going to happen to anyone,” he added, highlighting the authorities' resolve to combat crime head-on.

The raid is part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing the rampant crime rates within the city centre, which have raised concerns among residents and business owners alike. As part of the operation, all residents were asked to vacate their apartments temporarily while law enforcement conducted the necessary verifications, an approach designed to ensure that everyone within the premises is in compliance with South African legal requirements.

The focus on Zambezi House, known to have been hijacked, reflects a significant step in Johannesburg’s ongoing battle against crime. Authorities are determined to tackle illegal occupations that not only compromise safety but also contribute to an environment where criminal activities can thrive unchecked.