By Mapaballo Borotho
- Eleven families were left homeless after JMPD demolished 50 illegal structures in Ennerdale as part of a land crackdown.
- The operation comes after officers were attacked at the same site last week.
- Meanwhile, investigations into the deadly Ormonde building collapse are nearly complete.
Eleven families have been left homeless in Ennerdale, south of Johannesburg, after their shacks were removed by Johannesburg Metro Police officers on Monday, 16 March 2026.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson, Xolani Fihla, said the removal of the structures forms part of the city’s strict measures to address illegal land use and improve urban management.
During the operation, 50 illegal structures were demolished, with materials cleared from the site without resistance.
The operation follows a tense incident at the same location last week, where JMPD officers were violently attacked by a mob while carrying out their duties.
Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Dean McPherson has warned that no one will be allowed to unlawfully occupy state property.
He was briefing the media at the deeds office in the Johannesburg CBD on Tuesday, 16 March 2026.
McPherson also confirmed that investigations into the Ormonde building collapse are nearing completion. This, as nine people were killed earlier this month when a concrete slab caved in during construction at the site.
The minister emphasised that accountability remains a priority, comparing the tragedy to the 2024 George building collapse that claimed 34 lives.
He has given the investigating team eight weeks from the time of the collapse to finalise their findings, which will be presented to Parliament once complete.
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