5 people were arrested for drilling a borehole illegally in the Johannesburg CBD, on Monday, 23 December 2024.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit said its team responded to a report of unauthorized borehole drilling activity in Nugget Street, near the intersection of Main and Fox Streets.
Upon further investigation, it was established that two additional buildings along Durban and Delvers Streets also had unauthorized borehole drilling, without necessary documentation or approval from the City of Johannesburg.
The operator of the drilling truck at the initial site was arrested along with the individuals involved in the drilling at the other two buildings.
The five male suspects were detained at the SAPS Johannesburg Central Police Station for tampering with critical infrastructure.
The JMPD has impounded the drilling equipment used at all three locations.
The JMPD would like to reiterate that any drilling activity within the City of Johannesburg must be conducted with the necessary permits and approvals.
“Unauthorized drilling poses significant risks to underground infrastructure, including cables and pipelines.”