Illegal squatting in Sinoville, in the north of Pretoria, has reached alarming levels, prompting Ward 50 councillor Lenise Breytenbach to issue an urgent plea for immediate intervention.

The ward councillor said residents have raised growing concerns as public spaces, pavements, and even areas close to businesses are increasingly being occupied by illegal squatters.

The situation, according to Breytenbach, has fuelled disorder, criminal activity and a pervasive sense of fear within the community.

Key hotspots include areas along Sefako Makgatho Drive, particularly around the Sinoville Centre, as well as busy intersections such as Marija, Matlabas and Antun streets.

These areas have reportedly become centres for illegal activities, including drug dealing, unlicensed trading and public drinking.

“Illegal squatting is not just a nuisance; it’s fuelling criminal activity and making our community unsafe.

We cannot wait for this issue to escalate further. We need all stakeholders, including residents, to step up and reclaim Ward 50,” said Breytenbach.

Despite numerous complaints and reports to authorities, she said little progress has been made in resolving the issue.

Residents, she added, feel increasingly unsafe and abandoned, particularly in areas where repeated clean-up operations have failed to provide long-term solutions.

One of the most concerning areas is the vicinity of Sefako Makgatho Drive, where squatters have repeatedly returned despite several clean-up efforts.

Breytenbach said the situation has been worsened by criminal elements operating under the guise of car guards.

“We have cleaned up time and again, but the squatters come back, and the community deserves better.

“There are individuals posing as car guards who are involved in drug dealing, and this adds another layer of danger for both residents and businesses,” she emphasised.

Breytenbach has also expressed concern over the rapid spread of illegal and unlicensed businesses across the ward.

In streets such as Marija and Antun, informal vendors are operating without permits or regulatory oversight, further contributing to disorder and safety risks.

She has called for a stronger and more visible law enforcement presence, alongside decisive action against illegal businesses and criminal activity linked to squatting.

Breytenbach stressed that authorities alone cannot resolve the crisis.

She urged residents to work closely with the local CPF to improve communication and co-ordination during emergencies.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo told Rekord that in similar cases of homeless people sleeping in public places, social workers are dispatched to conduct assessments through interviews to establish if the said people need shelters.

“If they do, social workers will arrange for relocation to shelters with which the metro has an affiliation.

“Unfortunately, most people do not prefer staying in shelters as there are rules which they are not in favour of. As a result, by-law enforcement by the TMPD will be activated,” he said.

Mashigo said that according to the 2005 by-laws on public amenities, no one is allowed to stay or sleep in public places after-hours.

Infringement has a fine of R10 000 or 12 months imprisonment.

“There are homeless shelters managed by NPOs, with which the city has a relationship. As and when someone is in need of a shelter, they get referred to such facilities.

“However, being referred to a shelter is voluntary and not forced or imposed on people.”

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