Stories that shocked and rocked east communities this year

Problems continue to persist in the east in the year 2025, with so many evictions at illegal squatter camps and service delivery challenges.

December 31, 2025

Itumeleng Mokoena 5 minutes read

Squatters evicted from White House property following ruling

As 2025 draws to a close, Pretoria east stands out as a community that has endured service delivery setbacks, pushed for progress, and reshaped its own narrative.

The year brought hard-won victories, persistent service-delivery setbacks, major infrastructure shifts, and moments that redefined the suburbs.

HERE ARE THE STORIES THAT MADE HEADLINES IN THE EAST

A TLB machine is clearing the dilapitated buildings folliwng evictions. Photo: Supplied

Squatters evicted from White House property following ruling

More than 130 illegal occupants were evicted from the ‘White House’ property in Moreleta Park on September 1, ending a years-long legal battle that cost the owners millions.

The High Court-ordered eviction, carried out by the Sheriff, included the demolition of illegally built structures on the 17-hectare site, which had deteriorated into a hub for crime, dumping, and environmental damage near the Moreleta Spruit.

Residents of nearby estates had long complained about the squatting, while the owners who relocated abroad years ago spent more than R6-million on security upgrades, legal fees and clean-ups.

Wolwespruit squatters evicted. Photo: Itumeleng Mokoena

Wolwespruit wetland secured, illegal squatters evicted

Relief has set in for residents of Erasmuskloof, Moreleta Park, Mooikloof and surrounding suburbs after the metro finally relocated long-standing squatters from the Wolwespruit wetland on the corner of Solomon Mahlangu Drive and Delmas Road.

Ward 83 councillor Andrew Lesch confirmed that the relocation took place on July 13, ending years of legal delays, and nuisance for ratepayers.

He said the wetland, situated within a flood line, had become a hub for crime, cable theft, smoke pollution, illegal recycling, and repeated power outages.

Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said 70 verified South African nationals were resettled at Pienaarspoort Ext 22, 23, and 25, while the remaining foreign nationals were removed by July 11.

Piles of waste at the decommissioned landfill site. Photo: Reitumetse Mahope

Red tape blocks Garstkloof landfill redevelopment

A decade after the Garstkloof landfill site was decommissioned, the metro continues to state that it is still awaiting the finalisation of a closure permit before any rehabilitation or redevelopment can begin.

The site, located behind a filling station and next to the ‘ghost mall’ on the R50 Delmas Road, has become a growing nuisance for surrounding communities.

Illegal recyclers, squatters and criminals now occupy the area, which includes the adjacent Garstkloof Nature Reserve and land earmarked for future school development.

Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said redevelopment can only begin once the closure permit and recommended end-use plan are finalised.

Ward 45 Councillor Elizabeth Basson is spearheading a petition urging the municipality to refurbish the Garsfontein substation, a problem she says has been critical for the past two years.

Calls mount for metro to refurbish Garsfontein substation

The metro has taken a crucial step towards addressing the persistent power outages in Garsfontein by commissioning a team to assess the vandalised protection system at the substation.

The assessors will help estimate the cost of repairs needed to get the substation fully operational again in the short- to medium-term.

Meanwhile, the city is also exploring long-term solutions to refurbish the substation, which has been vulnerable to vandalism due to a lack of protection.

Ward 45 Councillor Elizabeth Basson is spearheading a petition urging the municipality to refurbish the Garsfontein substation, a problem she says has been critical for the past two years.

Dark Delmas Road a ‘death trap’ for motorists

Residents in the east of Pretoria have raised concerns about the lack of proper lighting and streetlights on Delmas Road, which is a safety and crime hazard.

According to the community, streetlights help reduce crashes at night by improving visibility. However, on Delmas Road, it’s a different story and more and more crashes are being reported.

The spokesperson for the Lyttelton S4 Community Police sub-forum, Shawn Fouche said Delmas Road is a death trap.

“The road is pitch black at night.”

She said the community urgently requests speed traps be placed on Delmas Road, between Dam Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive as well as working streetlights.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the public lighting maintenance contract has lapsed, and the process to appoint a replacement is at an advanced stage.

State of provincial roads in ward 101 in the east of Pretoria. Photo: Itumeleng Mokoena

Future for land intended for a school’s sports field in the east, hangs in the balance

The Tshwane metro is in discussions with Laerskool Elarduspark for the voluntary termination of the lease on municipal land earmarked for the school’s sports field, after the property was hijacked and turned into a waste-sorting site by illegal recyclers.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the city issued a 30-day contravention notice on November 6, 2024, and met with the school on February 26.

Mashigo added that metro police will patrol the site and that a land invasion unit has been established to protect vacant land and immovable property.

Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said the lease is still valid and the school has attempted to maintain the grounds, remove vagrants, and lock the gate.

LS4 Community safety forums stressed that converting the land into a sports field will secure the area and reduce health hazards caused by waste, fires, rodents, and toxic fumes.

The city continues to monitor the property and take legal action against illegal occupation.

Waltloo Drivers Licensing and Testing Centre is in a sorry state. Photo: Itumeleng Mokoena

Corruption and dilapidated facilities overrun Waltloo licensing centre

According to residents dirty facility, bad service, decayed amenities and alleged corruption is what awaits patrons at the Waltloo licensing facility.

The state of this facility under a metro and the capital city of the republic is shocking and an intervention is needed urgently.

The Waltloo Drivers Licensing and Testing Centre fails to provide even the most basic hygiene services for its patrons.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the TMPD as custodians of this function is currently reviewing their security deployment strategy to apply modern responsive interventions supported by technology and other means.

He urged the public to remain vigilant at all times and exercise a sense of responsibility when visiting service delivery points.

Ward 101 councillor Malcolm de Klerk at the decrepit east bridge. Photo: Itumeleng Mokoena

Decrepit east bridge a safety hazard

A dangerously deteriorating bridge on the R223 provincial road in Mooiplaas near Hazeldean in the east of Pretoria is putting lives at risk and disrupting livelihoods, as years of neglect take its toll.

The bridge frequently floods, lacks safety railings, has deep cracks with severe structural damage, making it a safety hazard.

Despite the route’s importance as a vital economic corridor for taxis, freight, and workers, the Gauteng government continues to ignore growing demands for urgent intervention, according to Ward 101 councillor Malcolm de Klerk.

The Roads and Transport department will be conducting an emergency rapid structural assessment to determine the extent of the damage and a report for remedial recommendations.

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