City vows zero tolerance for hijacked, non-compliant properties
Officials discovered businesses trading without fire permits, health certificates, or approved building plans, as property hijacking was also exposed in Pretoria West.
The metro’s MMC for Health, Tshegofatso Mashabela, recently led a food compliance inspection in parts of Pretoria West, which led to the closure of a hijacked store.
The operation, which took place on September 29, addressed the case of property hijacking while conducting compliance checks.
“Today, during a by-law enforcement operation in Pretoria West, our team uncovered a deeply troubling case of property hijacking,” Mashabela said.
“While conducting compliance checks, a rightful property owner came forward with legal proof of ownership, including an eviction order against the illegal occupant.
“In stark contrast, the illegal occupant who falsely claimed ownership was unable to produce a single document to support his claims,” she said.
Mashabela said that the legitimate owner asked the council to disconnect electricity, as the illegal occupant continued to use municipal services, without payment and in clear violation of the law.
“This situation highlights the urgent need to protect lawful property owners, enforce compliance without compromise, and ensure that no individual unlawfully benefits from services at the expense of others.
“As the city, we remain resolute: lawlessness will not be tolerated, property rights will be defended, and compliance will be enforced,” she said.
Officials also closed another spaza shop after discovering that no plans were approved and that no fire permits or a health certificate were ever issued.
The operation follows Mashabela’s recent address to the city’s health inspectors at a capacity-building session.
In her remarks, the MMC commended the inspectors for their tireless work and reminded them that the legal obligations they hold are not optional, but binding.
She encouraged the inspectors to ensure that every facility they engage with complies fully with the law, without any exceptions or compromises.
“You should be ashamed to issue a compliance certificate to any premises that do not meet the requirements, because [if you do not], you betray not just the law, but also the very people you are meant to protect,” Mashabela said.
“Do not fall prey to money or influence when enforcing the law. The reality is that many businesses continue to operate outside compliance because of corrupt elements within our own system – and that must end.
“I will be sitting down with the group head to address this decisively. If we enter any premises and find more than two areas of non-compliance, immediate action must be taken. No excuses. No negotiations,” she concluded.
Watch here:
Today, the MMC of Health addressed the Health Inspectors in the City of Tshwane.
Colleagues, let me remind you, you are the face of compliance. The legal obligations you hold are not optional; they are binding, and they demand faithfulness. At the centre of your work lies the… pic.twitter.com/fC7SxQibt7
— 𝔹𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕤𝕙𝕖𝕘𝕠 𝕆𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕝𝕨𝕖 (@Ngwana_Badimu) September 29, 2025
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