Metro to address leasing issues to combat hijacking of buildings
Metro to address leasing issues to combat hijacking of buildings
Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya says the metro is aware of its current leasing challenges following several businesses being closed in a recent by-law operation.
On June 17, Moya, accompanied by her Mayoral Committee, the TMPD and supporting partners as well as departments, carried out a by-law operation focused on hijacked buildings in Danville, west of Pretoria.
A recurring theme throughout the operation was the holes within the metro's leasing systems, leading to confusion, fraud and mismanagement.
'We will continue to reclaim hijacked city properties. We are aware that the city's leasing system has not worked to benefit the municipality's income-generating capacity, and we are determined to fix this,' Moya said.
During the operation, an illegal early childhood development (ECD) centre, operating for 22 years from a city-owned property without a lease, was closed.
Across the road was a business park, also city-owned, but none of the businesses had valid leases with the metro.
'Danville, like many areas in the city, has seen residents terrorised by crime, drugs and all manner of lawlessness emanating from properties that are owned by the city or by private entities. The other businesses closed were operating in a privately managed building. These included a gambling business, a butchery that was found selling expired meat and a U-Save operating without a licence,' Moya said.
A summary of the operation's results includes:
– 8 business premises inspected
– 2 Section 56 notices issued for contravention of the Business Act
– 4 Section 56 notices issued for contravention of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act
– 1 Contravention notice issued for the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act
– 3 Premises found with an illegal electricity connection
– 1 Premise found with an illegal water connection
– 2 arrests were made for illegal immigration and possession of stolen goods
– 3 vehicles impounded
– 1 gambling business entered forcefully
– 5 businesses closed.
We've just shutdown an illegal ECD in Danville. The people living in this place have no lease with the city and have hijacked our property. We found a fake TMPD jacket and SANDF uniform. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/iyXm2AW1od
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) June 17, 2025
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Metro police praised for restoring order in by-law raids
Tshwane police have received praise from the multiparty coalition government for carrying out by-law operations throughout the city. On behalf of the government, MMC for Community Safety Hannes Coetzee, commended the Tshwane Metro Police Department for executing decisive, lawful action across the city as part of a targeted by-law enforcement campaign. The operations took place on June 24 in different parts of Tshwane, including regions 1, 4 and 6. Coetzee said the executed operations are not isolated, as they form part of the metro's strategy to restore order in the city. 'They form part of a broader strategy to restore order, enforce accountability and reclaim public spaces for the people of Tshwane.' He said in Region 4, multiple businesses received fines for failing to adhere to the by-laws. 'In Centurion, the TMPD issued 14 Section 56 notices to businesses found violating municipal by-laws. 'Lawlessness under the guise of commerce will not be tolerated,' he said. Illegal structures and traders removed across the City. — City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) June 25, 2025 He said in Region 4, Mamelodi, two illegal street traders operating in prohibited zones were removed, with confiscations made and notices served. 'This administration is drawing a clear line that our streets will not be surrendered to disorder.' He further said a crackdown was comprehensive in Region 1, as by-laws were enforced in the region. 'In Mabopane, 11 illegal structures were demolished. In Winternest, 79 unlawful structures were dismantled in a co-ordinated effort involving the crime prevention and land invasion units.' He said illegal advertisements were removed, goods were seized, and offenders were served with enforcement notices. Coetzee said the operations were not just enforcement, but a reaffirmation of the rule of law in Tshwane. 'We are rebuilding a city founded on respect, order and justice. The days of impunity are over. 'Let this stand as a warning to those who defy the law and a promise to residents who demand a city that works. We are taking action, and we will not yield to injustice,' he said Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
Top five hijacked vehicles in Pretoria – Are you driving one?
Top five hijacked vehicles in Pretoria – Are you driving one? Hijackings remain a serious threat on Pretoria's roads, with criminals targeting specific vehicles using increasingly calculated tactics. As incidents continue to rise in key hotspots across the city, knowing whether your car fits the profile could be the difference between staying safe or becoming a statistic. Here's what's driving the trend—and how to protect yourself. Paul Visser from the Pretoria ICE Community Network said here are the most targeted vehicles in the country now: VW Polo Toyota Hilux Ford Ranger Toyota Corolla Cross Toyota Fortuner These models are often targeted due to their resale value, parts demand, and, increasingly, use in cross-border vehicle smuggling syndicates. While carjackings in South Africa declined by 15.1% year-on-year (from 5,338 in Q4 2024 to 4,533 in Q4 2025), Pretoria remains a high-risk area, particularly in the following precincts: Here are the hotspots in Pretoria: Pretoria West Mamelodi East & Mamelodi West Sunnyside Akasia Temba Hijackings in Pretoria often occur: Near major intersections and traffic light stops. In driveways during arrivals/departures. Around shopping centres and transport hubs. What is the modus operandi? Criminals typically operate in small armed groups, often using follow-home tactics. Electronic jamming and surveillance of daily routines are standard methods used to select victims. Also read: Here are the most dangerous suburbs in Pretoria Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
Equestria's road quality improves from 15% to 85%
A community-led initiative in Equestria, east of Pretoria, has significantly improved road conditions in the area, thanks to a partnership between residents, local businesses, and organisations. More than 228 potholes have been repaired in May and June through this approach. According to Ward 85 councillor Jacqui Uys, the community teamed up with the Equestria Joint Economic Area (JEA) through a Community Upliftment Precinct agreement to tackle the area's pothole crisis. 'The collaboration resulted in 228 potholes being repaired, pushing the area's road quality from only 15% pothole-free to a remarkable 85%,' Uys explained. She said the initiative was driven by a successful Easter Pothole Challenge fundraiser held in April, during which 200 raffle tickets were sold at R200 each. 'The funds raised were used to purchase six tons of Roadsaver Cold Asphalt, a product guaranteed to last two years,' she said. Uys said the repairs were carried out during May and June, with some of the labour provided by DA volunteers, local activists, and community members, including JEA co-ordinator Wade Tilley. Local businesses also contributed manpower to support the repairs. 'This project shows what can be achieved when civil society, the private sector, and residents work together, especially when government efforts fall short,' said Uys. Uys praised the spirit of collaboration and said similar models could be replicated across the city. 'Where the municipality cannot reach in time, communities are proving they can step in and get the job done,' she said. In April, Tilley explained the initiative was informed by a detailed survey of Equestria's 20km road network. Conducted on March 22, the survey found 192 potholes, an increase of 35 since the previous count in January. To manage the scale of the project, the road network was divided into 20 equal sections. 'Each section represents about 5% of the total network. Breaking the task into milestones made it more achievable,' said Tilley. Before repairs began, only two of the 20 sections or 10% of the network, were pothole-free, including parts of Meerlust Road and Meadow Avenue. 'We challenged residents to help us make the entire road network pothole-free,' said Tilley. 'Each R200 raffle ticket could fix one pothole, and residents stood a chance to win a family hamper sponsored by local businesses.' Tilley said the initiative not only improves daily travel for residents but also makes the roads easier to maintain during the rainy season. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
