The Tshwane metro has vowed to restore law and order in Mabopane following a surge in illegal housing developments, land grabs, and unregulated trading allegedly linked to undocumented foreign nationals.

The decisive move comes after growing community concerns over rising crime and the misuse of municipal land.

Mayor Nasiphi Moya said the metro will intensify its crackdown on illegal structures and unregistered businesses in the township as part of a broader effort to reclaim municipal land and restore safety.

Her comments followed a recent site inspection in Mabopane, where illegal houses were found to have been constructed on a wetland area.

Moya, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise and MMC Sarah Mabotsa, said the illegal developments were brought to the metro’s attention by the local ward councillor.

“They have built all these houses here, which are illegal structures. Last week we started issuing contravention notices,” Moya said.

According to the mayor, more than 10 houses have been illegally erected, with several occupants believed to be foreign nationals without proper documentation.

The municipality has since resolved to demolish the unlawful structures and disconnect their unauthorised water and electricity connections.

“They have not only built on the flood line, but they have also connected illegally to our water and electricity.

“What concerns us is that there is a security fee of R50 per person in this area. We don’t know who those people are and we don’t know their relationship to the theft of this land, which belongs to the municipality.”

She emphasised that the metro would not allow the illegal occupation of land meant for development.

“We will clear this land because the municipality has plans to utilise it for the benefit of Mabopane residents. When criminals take over, it derails our development,” she added.

Moya warned that some individuals were attempting to take control of certain areas and pretend they are a government in Mabopane, a situation she said undermines governance and municipal authority.

The latest intervention follows the recent demolition of 65 illegal structures at the Mabopane Station precinct, as part of a citywide operation to enforce municipal by-laws and tackle criminal activity.

MMC for Human Settlements Aaron Maluleka confirmed that the demolitions targeted informal stalls and buildings illegally erected along the M17 and near the station.

“Many of these informal stalls, some dating back to the early 1990s, were being used for illicit activities, including drug dens and unauthorised businesses,” Maluleka said.

He said the metro has developed a precinct plan aimed at revamping the Mabopane Station area.

The plan includes formalising trading opportunities for qualifying vendors and ensuring that trading takes place in a safe and regulated environment.

Moya concluded by affirming that the metro’s security cluster will continue to monitor and act against illegal land occupation.

“This is about restoring order, protecting municipal land, and ensuring that development benefits legitimate Mabopane residents,” she said.

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