City of Tshwane raises concerns over illegal building occupation in parts of the metro

TSHWANE - The City of Tshwane has raised concerns over the illegal occupation of buildings in parts of the metro following the discovery of a hijacked residential property in Pretoria East.

On Friday, law enforcement authorities discovered a hijacked house in Waterkloof, where more than 20 undocumented foreign nationals were found.

It's understood Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) raided the property after community members noticed a series of illegal activities.

When law enforcement authorities raided the hijacked residential property in Waterkloof, it emerged that informal dwellings were erected inside the premises.

The City of Tshwane said it has also discovered structures and rooms in the house were rented out for R1,000 per month.

Following an inspection by city officials, the house was further found indebted to the municipality to the tune of R1.3 million.

Tshwane Community Safety MMC Grandi Theunissen said community members had also raised concerns about the stench and rat infestation on the property.

He said the illegal occupation of buildings poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the community.