28 arrested for hijacking buildings in Johannesburg

Twenty-eight people have been arrested in Jeppestown, Johannesburg, for hijacking a building, the Hawks say.

Captain Paul Ramaloko said they were arrested on Tuesday night.

He said the group had not respect an order of the High Court in Johannesburg instructing them to leave the building. The order was served in December.

"They are facing charges of contempt of court, malicious damaged to property and trespassing," he said. Ramaloko said a charge of house-breaking could be added.

"Five women who had children under five-years were released on warning. They were warned to appear in court today [Wednesday]."

He said the rest of the group was also expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.