Following the Melgisedek building fire earlier this month and after several site visits to the property, the Bad Buildings Mayoral Sub-Committee recently issued notices of eviction to the occupants still on the property.
The metro confirmed that it is still in the ongoing legal processes of finalising relocation, and details will be provided in due course.
In the meantime, it maintains that the area is a health and safety hazard not fit for human occupation.
“We’ve returned to Melgisedek to serve eviction notices to illegal occupants. While we recognise the housing crisis, unlawful occupation cannot be tolerated. Action is being taken in line with the law, and relocation will be carried out in accordance with the relevant legislation. Order must be restored,” said Bad Buildings Committee Chairperson and the MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodi.
On February 2 at about 07:30, the city’s Emergency Services Department (ESD) responded to a fire incident there.
After the call reached the emergency call centre, firefighters from Innesdale, Hatfield and Central fire stations were dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze.
Firefighters found the third floor of one of the buildings engulfed in flames.
The roof later collapsed, and preliminary assessments indicate that about 20 rooms were affected by the fire.
Fortunately, no casualties were recorded as the occupants of the building managed to evacuate safely before the fire spread.
Four patients were, however, treated for smoke inhalation and transported to a nearby medical facility. The cause of the fire remains undetermined following investigation.
Since the fire, Tshwane Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya and the Bad Buildings Committee have visited the site several times to assess the damage.
They say that relocating the illegal occupants remains a priority, as they will not wait for the loss of life to take action.
On February 24, the committee plans to approach the High Court to apply for a demolition order of the building.
“As it stands, this property is a safety and health hazard. No human should ever live in such conditions. This decision brings us one step closer to protecting lives and unlocking economic opportunities for the residents of Tshwane,” Morodi said.
“For years, we have fought to reclaim and redevelop this land while also working to prevent any loss of life. Progress cannot wait. We must restore the honour of our beautiful city and grow its economy,” Morodi added.
Watch here:
On 24 February 2026, we head to court to seek approval for the demolition of this property. For years, we have fought to reclaim and redevelop this land, while also working to prevent any loss of life.
Progress cannot wait. We must restore the honour of our beautiful city and… pic.twitter.com/Ze0fLGIjlC
— Kholofelo Morodi (@kholofeloMorodi) February 12, 2026
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