The City of Johannesburg has launched an aggressive crackdown on a rogue property owner in Ormonde, following a deadly building collapse that claimed nine lives in March.
City officials said the crackdown forms part of a firm push to restore order and enforce municipal by-laws amid escalating safety concerns across the city.
Enforcement teams under City Manager Floyd Brink targeted properties linked to New Order Investments, uncovering widespread lawlessness across more than 30 sites including hotels, office parks and residential buildings where illegal connections, massive municipal arrears, and repeated by-law breaches were found, which officials say are endangering lives.
The Ormonde building collapse on March 2 saw a two-storey structure under construction in southern Johannesburg give way, killing nine construction workers when a concrete slab collapsed onto the site. Investigations later confirmed the building was constructed without approved plans and in violation of municipal by-laws.
In the latest operation, three properties alone were found to owe the City nearly R19.5 million, while two office parks were shut down and a construction site closed immediately.
Authorities also disconnected water and electricity at three sites due to illegal connections and lack of proper metering, with further investigations underway into suspected electricity theft at another property.
Brink warned that Johannesburg will no longer tolerate persistent non-compliance that endangers residents and undermines safety enforcement.
“This level of lawlessness is unacceptable. We cannot allow a situation where nine lives are lost and there are no consequences. We are acting decisively to prevent further tragedy,” he said.
Officials also raised alarm over irregularities in the approval of building plans, now under investigation after costing the city more than R10 million, while warning that some structures still under construction are already being occupied.
Brink has since ordered a full-scale forensic investigation into all properties linked to the owner, with findings expected by mid-May. Legal action is also underway.
He acknowledged the impact of the closures on tenants and businesses but stressed that public safety remains non-negotiable and cannot be sacrificed for convenience or continued non-compliance.
“It is deeply regrettable that innocent tenants and workers are affected, however, the cost of non-compliance cannot be measured against human life. We urge the property owner to urgently address all compliance issues to restore safe operations,” he added.
The city said the operation sends a clear message that ongoing violations will no longer be tolerated, particularly in the wake of a tragedy that has forced Johannesburg to confront the human cost of regulatory neglect.
The Star
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