Johannesburg, 24 December 2024 – Five suspects were arrested on Monday, 23 December 2024, for unauthorized borehole drilling in the Johannesburg CBD, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) confirmed in a statement.
The arrests were made by the JMPD Tactical Response Unit after reports of illegal drilling activity on Nugget Street, near the intersection of Main and Fox Streets. Investigations revealed that unauthorized drilling had also occurred at two additional locations on Durban and Delvers Streets.
The suspects, including the operator of a drilling truck, were detained at the Johannesburg Central Police Station. They face charges of tampering with critical infrastructure. The drilling equipment used at all three sites has been impounded as evidence.
The JMPD emphasized that unauthorized drilling not only breaches city regulations but also poses serious risks to underground infrastructure such as pipelines and cables.
“Any drilling activity within the City of Johannesburg must have the necessary permits and approvals,” stated Superintendent Xolani Fihla, JMPD spokesperson. “We are committed to ensuring public safety and will continue to take action against violations.”
Authorities are pursuing further investigations and warn residents and businesses to adhere to city ordinances to avoid similar consequences.
