Tshwane's Bad Buildings Committee cracks down on illegal businesses in Pretoria West

The City of Tshwane's Bad Buildings Committee launched a blitz on Pretoria West, targeting dodgy businesses and illegal building occupants in a bid to restore order to the city's streets. 

Kholofelo Morodi, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services, said the fifth enforcement operation in the area revealed alarming levels of non-compliance and neglect, with properties racking up hundreds of thousands of rands in unpaid utility bills.

The targeted properties owe the city R541,170 in unpaid water and electricity accounts, with one business responsible for R412,000 of that amount.

Morodi said: “The operation formed part of the city’s ongoing commitment to restore order, enforce municipal by-laws, and safeguard the dignity of residents and compliant businesses. Inspections revealed that the properties targeted during this operation collectively owe the city R541,170 in unpaid water and electricity accounts.”

She condemned the level of non-payment, saying it places an unfair burden on law-abiding residents and businesses.

During the operation, officials issued 29 formal compliance notices amounting to approximately R55,500, including 10 health and safety notices, six building regulation contraventions and three fire safety violations.

Morodi said: “A restaurant was immediately shut down after inspectors discovered it was operating without fire emergency exits or functional emergency lighting. Alarmingly, the entire structure had been erected without approved building plans. In the event of a fire, patrons would have had no safe means of escape.” 

At a nearby spaza shop, officials found an emergency fire escape being used as illegal accommodation for foreign nationals, some of whom were confirmed to be in the country unlawfully. 

Morodi said the property in question is in a deteriorating condition and includes a restaurant operating alongside gas cylinders, creating a hazardous and volatile environment.

“A neighbouring cafe was also found to be providing unauthorised on-site housing. The city has since disconnected water and electricity services and imposed significant penalties on the owners,” she said.

Additionally, a warehouse operating from an illegal temporary structure was discovered storing highly flammable goods, including candles and matches, under unsafe conditions. 

“The site posed a severe fire risk. Electricity supply has been disconnected and enforcement notices served. These findings underscore the urgent need for sustained enforcement interventions,” Morodi said.

The Bad Buildings Committee was established with a mandate to restore compliance, improve urban management, and protect communities from unsafe and exploitative conditions.

Morodi vowed that the city will continue to conduct high-visibility operations across Tshwane, saying: "Lawlessness, non-compliance, and the endangerment of human life will not be tolerated. We remain steadfast in reclaiming our city, restoring dignity to affected communities, and ensuring that all property owners operate within the framework of the law.”

Meanwhile, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) reported that two men  were arrested for possession of drugs and suspected dealing in illicit substances in Pretoria West.

This took place when officers, who were conducting routine law enforcement duties, received a tip-off regarding drugs being transported by two vehicles in the area.

“Officers acted swiftly on the information, pursued the suspects, and were able to intercept the vehicles at the intersection of Luttig Street and Es'kia Mphahlele Drive in Pretoria West,” said TMPD spokesperson Colonel Isaac Mahamba.

A search by metro police uncovered two bags of Khat (a stimulant drug also known as methcathinone) in one of the vehicles, leading to the arrest of two suspects. 

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za