City officials uncovered a recycling site illegally producing plastic bags on January 13.

These counterfeit goods were being manufactured for distribution to major retailers.

The bust formed part of a multi-disciplinary sweep operation led by the chairperson of the Bad Buildings Mayoral Sub-Committee and MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Kholofelo Morodi.

The committee reportedly intensified its enforcement operations within the Pretoria West and industrial precincts, visiting five buildings, some of which are recycling sites.

Law enforcement also detained a group of illegal foreign nationals from Malawi and Ethiopia who were discovered operating the machinery within the unauthorised plastic bag facility.

“This is what we are facing in our city. Such lawlessness will not be tolerated. What could be a thriving area for economic growth has instead been overtaken by illegal activities. This building is not only being occupied unlawfully but is also operating an unauthorised plastic bag production facility,” Morodi said.

The suspects were taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation into the counterfeit distribution network.

In a social media post, the TMPD confirmed that four illegal immigrants were arrested at the plastic factory site.

“TMPD members conducted a joint by-law enforcement operation targeting bad buildings in Pretoria West and Mamelodi East, Phomolong Section, together with other role players.

“During this operation, one business was issued a section 56 notice for contravention of the Business Act, and one OTR notice was issued to a business found operating without a fire extinguisher. A total of four illegal immigrants were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act,” the post read.

MMC for Human Settlements Alderman Aaron Maluleka, who was also present during the operation, lambasted major retailers supporting these kinds of operations.

“Other retail companies are sourcing their plastics from an illegal operator who steals Tshwane’s cables and has total disregard for by-laws and environmental management regulations. The only mission is profits. The establishment owes the city R5 000 000,” Maluleka said.

The multi-party operation targeted illegal construction, health and safety violations, and illicit manufacturing operations.

It focused on illegal electricity and water connections, zoning compliance, fire safety compliance, and health compliance.

In a joint operation conducted by the SAPS throughout the first week of the year, police seized counterfeit goods worth more than R1-million.

The Gauteng Counterfeit Unit and Brand Protectors led the operation on January 6 in Pretoria Central, where they raided several shops that deal in cellphone accessories. Counterfeit accessories worth R518 000 were seized.

In a separate action, the city targeted a metal and recycling company where goods were confiscated due to non-compliance. The facility also owed a massive outstanding R5-million in unpaid services and rates owed to the metro.

“The oversight revealed a shocking misuse of municipal infrastructure. Electrical substations have been illegally converted into residential accommodations and rented out for R800 per month. These hazardous spaces are currently occupied by foreign nationals seeking employment,” Morodi said.

During the operation, the team issued four 21-day notices, two warnings, and one fine to different property owners.

The contravention notices were for failure to submit fire safety plans, trading without a licence, lack of firefighting access, and the erection of illegal structures.

“The Bad Buildings Committee remains steadfast in supporting the city’s vision: creating a prosperous capital city through fairness, freedom, and opportunity. Our goal is to reclaim and revitalise the inner-city precinct.

“We aim to build a Tshwane that every resident can be proud of while economically empowering our people. The future of Tshwane does not condone the exploitation of the vulnerable in unsafe buildings, nor the theft of services by businesses that refuse to pay their fair share,” Morodi added.

Watch here: https://x.com/i/status/2011009129918198122.

This is what we are facing in our city. Such lawlessness will not be tolerated.

What could be a thriving area for economic growth has instead been overtaken by illegal activities.

This building is not only being occupied unlawfully but is also operating an unauthorized plastic… pic.twitter.com/zPJfmH9jni

— Kholofelo Morodi (@kholofeloMorodi) January 13, 2026

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