IN PICS | Inside one of Joburg’s hijacked buildings

A mother and child make their way through the hijacked building, Vannin Court, in Hillbrow.
A mother and child make their way through the hijacked building, Vannin Court, in Hillbrow.
Image: Alaister Russell

City of Johannesburg officials and police inspected Vannin Court in Hillbrow, a hijacked eight-storey building on Pietersen Street and close to the CBD.

Hijacked buildings have again become a bone of contention in Gauteng after a state building in Marshalltown went up in flames on August 31, claiming the lives of 77 people.

A member of the police stands guard at Vannin Court during a raid of the hijacked building.
A member of the police stands guard at Vannin Court during a raid of the hijacked building.
Image: Alaister Russell
A resident walks through a hallway in the hijacked building.
A resident walks through a hallway in the hijacked building.
Image: Alaister Russell
Police are tasked with inspecting buildings across Johannesburg to stop criminals hijacking them.
Police are tasked with inspecting buildings across Johannesburg to stop criminals hijacking them.
Image: Alaister Russell
Members of the police at hijacked Vannin Court in Hillbrow.
Members of the police at hijacked Vannin Court in Hillbrow.
Image: Alaister Russell
Members of the police moved from floor to floor during a raid of the hijacked building.
Members of the police moved from floor to floor during a raid of the hijacked building.
Image: Alaister Russell

The Johannesburg CBD building gutted by fire was initially used as a shelter for abused woman until several years ago when the NPO running it was allegedly overpowered by hijackers. 

TimesLIVE

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.