Watch: Ekurhuleni municipality demolishes Germiston flats as owner disputes court order
A block of flats in Germiston was demolished after the court found that the structure did not have approved building plans.
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) municipality has carried out a court-ordered demolition at 126 Koornhof Street, Meadowdale, following the illegal construction of residential flats on business-zoned land.
On Tuesday, a day before the demolition was executed, property owner Harry Kibler said the matter remained under legal dispute, reports Germiston City News.
“It’s an ongoing case; we cannot respond in detail. All we can say is the opposition has acted in very bad faith and all court orders have been obtained in an unlawful, illegal manner,” he said.
Kibler added that the matter is on appeal and that further legal action, including applications for defamation and damages against the municipality, would follow.
Yesterday (May 6), the CoE proceeded with the demolition after the court found the structure had been erected without approved building plans.
The issue was first raised in January after complaints from nearby business owners.
At the time, the municipality stated the construction was unlawful due to the absence of approved plans.
On April 22, Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza handed over a court order instructing the owner to halt construction and demolish the structure within five working days.
He also conducted an on-site inspection with city officials.
Ward 92 Councillor Kade Guerreiro welcomed the demolition, describing it as a win for compliance and local businesses.
“This shows our commitment to law and order within the City of Ekurhuleni. Everyone must comply with building regulations,” he said.
Guerreiro warned that the illegal development posed risks to jobs and economic stability, with some businesses considering relocation. He added that enforcement efforts had been ongoing for years, with previous raids removing undocumented workers, only for construction to resume.
According to CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, the property is zoned Industrial 1, which does not permit residential use.
“The city confirms that the structure is illegal, as construction continued without the necessary approvals,” said Dlamini.
A stop-work notice was issued on September 15, 2025, but construction continued, including the addition of a third storey.
Dlamini said the development posed a serious structural risk and highlighted ongoing challenges with enforcement due to non-compliance and alleged interference.
Local business owners have raised concerns about safety, infrastructure strain and declining property values.
Some reported unsafe living conditions within the converted units and warned of broader social and economic impacts if the issue remained unresolved.
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