Zambezi Building Under Lockdown this morning

Johannesburg-Zambezi Building in Johannesburg’s CBD has been placed under lockdown as city officials launch a probe into its illegal occupation, following the tragic murder of DJ Warras who was working to secure the property. The site, housing about 250 people with roughly half not paying rent and considered unauthorised occupants, is now the focus of audits and safety checks amid serious concerns over criminal activities. For residents in the inner city who live in fear of violence and decay, this lockdown brings a mix of hope and worry—hope that it will clean up a spot linked to drugs and theft, but worry for those displaced without quick help. As the festive season calls for new beginnings, Warras’s death while fighting to reclaim hijacked buildings reminds us how dangerous this work can be, leaving his family and fans in grief. The building, described as a “safe haven for criminals,” was reportedly tied to safety violations, brothels, and drug manufacturing, making it a hotspot for trouble. With police reviewing CCTV footage and questioning persons of interest, the city vows to transform rundown spots into quality low-cost housing. This developing story, with threats and protection orders in Warras’s past, highlights the war on illegal occupations that has escalated after his killing, urging stronger action to restore law and order in the CBD.

The Raid on Zambezi Building: Questioning Illegal Occupation

City officials, led by MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, have questioned the legality of the Zambezi Building’s occupation, noting many live there illegally. The site, home to about 250 people, sees half not paying rent, making them unauthorised occupants. This probe follows a raid where authorities focused on compliance, leading to the lockdown to allow full audits.

The building’s issues include serious safety violations, with reports of it being a safe haven for criminals involved in drug peddling and theft. Officials plan safety assessments and potential biometric access systems to control entry. For those living there, this means uncertainty—many face eviction if found illegal, adding to the CBD’s housing crunch.
This action is part of broader efforts to tackle hijacked buildings, where syndicates take over and rent out illegally, often without services like water or fire safety. In JHB, over 600 such buildings exist, breeding crime and decay that hurt locals and businesses.

DJ Warras’ Murder and His Role in Reclaiming the Building

DJ Warras, real name Warrick Stock, was killed on 16 December 2025 while securing the Zambezi Building during an eviction of unlawful occupants. Three unknown gunmen shot him multiple times as he parked, in what police see as a targeted hit linked to his work against hijackers.

Warras ran a security company focused on reclaiming buildings, seeing it as a way to fight CBD decay. A post from July 2025 showed his love for the city but sadness at its destruction, now resurfacing as a call to action. He had five protection orders against ringleaders for threats, showing the dangers he faced.

His death has reignited talks on hijacked buildings, with figures like Gayton McKenzie linking it to illegal foreigners and calling for crackdowns. Police are tracing suspects via CCTV, with a woman as a person of interest. Warras’s aide “Innocent” is urged to help, as the probe digs into ties to syndicates.

Illegal Occupation and Safety Concerns: A Building in Crisis

The Zambezi Building is a classic case of hijacking, where half the 250 occupants live free, not paying rent or services. It is linked to brothels, drug making, and theft, making it a no-go zone for law-abiding folks. Safety violations abound, with overcrowding and poor maintenance risking fires or collapses.

Hijacked buildings in the CBD are a big problem, with syndicates controlling rents and using violence to keep hold. Warras’s work to reclaim them put him at odds with these groups, leading to threats. City officials say transforming such spots into low-cost housing is key, but risks like his murder slow progress.

For residents, illegal occupation means living in fear, with crime spilling into streets. This lockdown aims to audit and evict, but displaced people need help to avoid more hardship.

City Response and Future Plans: Restoring Law and Order

Dr Mgcini Tshwaku confirmed the probe, stressing the city’s focus on reclaiming buildings for safe housing. Operations now centre on Zambezi House, with audits to check occupations and safety. Biometric systems could come next to control access and cut crime.

The city plans to turn rundown spots into quality homes, part of reviving the CBD. Past efforts, like Mashaba’s mayoral raids, show progress is possible but needs sustained work. Tshwaku’s team vows to continue, honouring Warras’s fight by pushing harder against syndicates.

This response includes working with police for investigations and community groups for support during evictions.

Community and Political Reactions: Shock and Calls for Action

The murder has exposed the broken state of the CBD, with calls to tackle hijacked buildings urgently. Leaders like Kunene see it as an escalation in the war on illegal occupations, urging citizens to help. The ANC echoes this, pushing for community involvement to reclaim spaces.
Communities mourn Warras as a fighter for change, with tributes calling his death a loss for those battling decay. Political figures condemn the killing as an attack on law, vowing to continue the reclaim fight. Fans and friends share memories of his bold spirit, turning grief into resolve for safer cities.

Broader Context of Hijacked Buildings in Johannesburg

JHB’s CBD has hundreds of hijacked buildings, where syndicates rent out illegally, often to desperate migrants.These spots breed crime, with drugs and theft common. Reclaiming them is risky, as seen in Warras’s case and others where reclaimers face threats.

City plans include audits and conversions to housing, but syndicates fight back with violence.This ties to urban decay, where empty buildings turn into slums without action.For SA, it calls for national help to revive inner cities, creating jobs and safe spaces.

Looking Ahead: Investigations and Reclamation Efforts

Police continue probing Warras’s murder, with CCTV and questioning key. The city’s focus on Zambezi could lead to evictions and rebuilds, honouring his work.

For the CBD, this could spark wider raids, turning decay into opportunity. Communities hope for safe, affordable homes that bring life back to the city.Warras’s legacy could inspire safer reclaim methods, protecting those on the frontlines.

This developing story shows the fight for JHB’s heart continues, with hope that from tragedy comes change for better.

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