According to a statement released by the City of Johannesburg, the municipality has escalated its by-law enforcement operations in Ormonde following the building collapse that claimed nine lives.

This decisive action forms part of the city’s commitment to safeguard residents and ensure strict compliance with municipal bylaws.

Acting on instructions from city manager Dr Floyd Brink, multidisciplinary teams conducted targeted inspections of properties linked to the same owner, operating under New Order Investments.

Preliminary findings have revealed a deeply concerning pattern of widespread non-compliance across more than 30 properties in the area, including hotels, office parks, and residential buildings.

During the operation:

• Three properties inspected alone were found to owe approximately R19.5m to the city.

• Two office parks were shut down, and one construction site was closed immediately due to serious by-law violations.

• Three properties had water and electricity services disconnected due to illegal connections and the absence of proper metering.

• A further investigation is underway into a property suspected of unlawfully sourcing electricity.

• Three formal compliance notices and two closure notices were issued.

Of grave concern is the city’s discovery of irregularities in the approval of building plans, which are currently under investigation. These irregularities have resulted in losses exceeding R10m, reinforcing the need for stricter compliance and oversight. Appropriate action is being taken.

The city is particularly alarmed by evidence that some buildings under construction are already being occupied, placing lives at immediate risk. “This level of lawlessness is unacceptable. We cannot allow a situation where nine lives are lost, and there are no consequences. We are acting decisively to prevent further tragedy,” saidBrink.

Brink has instructed a full-scale forensic investigation into all properties linked to the owner, with findings expected to be concluded and communicated by mid-May.

The city is also pursuing urgent legal action, with court proceedings already underway. While the city acknowledges the unfortunate impact on tenants and businesses affected by closures, it emphasises that protecting human life remains the highest priority.

“It is deeply regrettable that innocent tenants and workers are affected; however, the cost of non-compliance cannot be measured against human life. We urge the property owner to urgently address all compliance issues to restore safe operations,” added Brink.

The City of Johannesburg remains resolute in its mission to enforce by-laws, restore order, and protect its residents.

This operation sends a clear message: non-compliance, especially by repeat offenders, will not be tolerated.

Brink continues to lead from the front, ensuring that the city responds to critical issues in real time with urgency and accountability.

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