City evicts 300 people after illegal Marabastad structures dismantled
Despite criticism over displacements, Moya said illegal structures deny revenue and vowed continued enforcement, stressing the city’s duty to uphold by-laws and compliance.
Following the dismantling of illegally erected structures on Fourth Street in Marabastad last week, Mayor Nasiphi Moya had stood by the call she made during the operation.
On the corner of Bloed and Fourth Street, the mayor led officials and authorities to a site inspection of the structure in question on September 25.
Illegal water and electricity connections were discovered, connected to a structure violating the municipal building by-laws, among other regulations.
This led officials to dismantle the structure and evict the vendors and occupants.
“Our officials have confirmed that the water connection is illegal, and it will be removed. We’ve been shown copies of a purchase agreement for this stand, along with building plans for the structure. Our inspectors have investigated the legitimacy of the plans and will continue to monitor the building process,” the mayor said.
“It’s important that building plans are approved by the city before any construction takes place. This construction project is not interfering with municipal infrastructure: pipes and the sewerage system,” Moya said.
The teams also removed the water meter box installed at this stand, as the city has no record of it being approved.
The city reportedly removed around 300 people from the stand during the operation. The move invited criticism of the mayor and the city, who believe leaving hundreds of people destitute was not the way to go about it.
Moya faced similar criticisms when the Marabastad Retail Market was closed during an inner-city by-law operation in July because of numerous vendors not possessing the certification needed to sell, as well as several other infractions.
Despite the displacements, Moya took to her social media to reaffirm the city’s standpoint regarding illegally erected structures and connections.
“These buildings were hijacked for years while slumlords denied the city crucial sources of revenue. We are rebuilding Pretoria West one by one,” Moya posted.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lefusi took to his social media as well to reiterate the mayor’s sentiments, posting ‘We will end lawlessness’.
We will end lawlessness https://t.co/yUf0rbij5E
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) September 27, 2025
Watch here:
We were at 4th Street this morning to inspect allegations of an illegal structure being built in Marabastad. Our officials have confirmed that the water connection is illegal and it will be removed. We’ve been shown copies of a purchase agreement for this stand along with… https://t.co/OnybMIfNEO pic.twitter.com/p0VNQ0OAR2
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) September 25, 2025
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