Johannesburg – Law enforcement officials have arrested five individuals for the illegal drilling of boreholes in the central area, particularly at the intersection of Main and Fox Streets.
As reported by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), the arrests took place on Monday, December 23, 2024.
The JMPD Tactical Response Unit detained the suspects while responding to reports of unauthorized borehole drilling activities near Nugget Street.
“Further investigations disclosed that two additional properties on Durban and Delvers Streets were also involved in unauthorized borehole drilling, executed 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 arrested along with those implicated in the drilling at the other two sites.”
All five male suspects are presently in custody at the Johannesburg Central Police Station and are facing charges related to tampering with essential infrastructure.
The JMPD has confiscated the drilling equipment from all three locations.
Authorities have warned that any drilling activities within the City of Johannesburg must be conducted with the appropriate permits and approvals.
“Unauthorized drilling can lead to considerable damage to underground infrastructure, including cables and pipelines,” the JMPD stressed.
“The JMPD is committed to maintaining public safety and will continue to take action against those who violate city regulations and ordinances.”
