High Court action launched over illegal building work in Meyerspark
The metro confirmed notices were served in August, but non-compliant owners ignored them, forcing escalation to the Group Legal Department.
The city has escalated legal action against two non-compliant property owners in Meyerspark, referring their case to the Group Legal Department in early September for a High Court application.
The move follows months of complaints from residents regarding unauthorised business activities and illegal building work at the properties.
Residents have raised concerns about properties on Margaritha Street and Keuning Drive being used as illegal motorcycle workshops, a scrapyard, and for the construction of numerous backrooms allegedly used for rentals.
These activities, they say, are not approved by the city, violate zoning regulations, and have caused significant noise disruption, particularly over weekends.
The residents reported that the complaints date back to July 12, when residents first reported the issues to Tshwane building inspectors.
According to the residents, by July 24, an inspector had visited the properties and found that the city’s records did not match the current ownership.
Residents were later informed that the correct notice would be served on August 11, and confirmation was received on August 12 that the notices were served.
The residents told Rekord that on August 22, photographs of activities occurring at the properties were forwarded to the city via the local councillor, and officials promised to take the matter to the High Court.
Despite these assurances, residents say the operations continue unabated.
“We report these matters, but nothing changes. The noise, gatherings, and illegal construction keep happening, and it feels like the city is not taking our concerns seriously.”
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the city was aware of the matter.
He explained the metro had served a notice on August 11 for illegal building work, but the owner had failed to comply.
Mashigo said the matter was referred to the city’s Group Legal Department on September 2 for a High Court application.
According to Mashigo, only the Economic Development and Spatial Planning Department can give permission for business operations or zoning.
“The properties are zoned for residential. The property on Keuning is classified as Residential 1, while Margaritha falls under Residential 4 zoning. Any other operations occurring [are] not legal,” Mashigo emphasised.
Despite this, both properties are allegedly being used for purposes outside their zoning approvals.
Mashigo stated that the metro is aware of illegal activities on both properties and will investigate further.
He added that to avoid duplication and delays in cases like these, the city has established an Integrated By-law Enforcement Committee to ensure better co-ordination between departments such as TMPD, Building Control, Environmental Management, and councillors.
“No concrete timeline for when the matter will be finalised [is available], but the city has escalated the matter to the legal department as the owners of the properties continue to operate despite being served a notice,” Mashigo stated.
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.
