By Francesca Hangeior
The Nigerian Union South Africa has raised the alarm over alleged systematic property damage and seizures during a by-law enforcement operation at the Navy House, Fatima Building in Pretoria Central.
The alarm was raised in a statement signed by the union’s National Publicity Secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, on Tuesday.
On January 17, 2025, NUSA President, Smart Nwobi, was notified by several Nigerian business owners operating in the building.
The incident reportedly occurred during a joint operation conducted by the Department of Home Affairs, South African Police Service, Metro Police, City of Tshwane authorities, and Gauteng traffic officers as part of the “Reclaim Our City” enforcement initiative.
“The notification described alleged systematic property damage and seizures during the Reclaim Our City by-law enforcement action, executed by a joint team of government representatives, including officials from the Department of Home Affairs, South African Police Service personnel, Metro Police forces, City of Tshwane authorities, and Gauteng traffic officers,” the statement narrated.
Responding, Nwobi convened key NUSA executives, including Vice President, Prof. Collins Potokri, Legal Adviser, Anthonia Ndubuisi, and Welfare Officer, Tonia Ozobu, to investigate.
Ndubuisi arrived at the scene to collect firsthand accounts from affected business owners.
“The business owners described the extensive seizure of their commercial assets, with officials allegedly taking numerous items of value. The confiscated items included expensive Brazilian hair extensions, quality hairpieces, electronics like TVs and microwaves, professional hair salon equipment including dryers and tongs, large sums of money, and drinks from their fridges.
“Based on detailed accounts from the shop owners, the officials’ conduct extended beyond seizures. They methodically destroyed surveillance systems throughout the building in what seemed to be a calculated move to remove evidence.
“This included removing and dismantling CCTV cameras installed in various shop locations, along with their recording equipment. The officials allegedly inflicted considerable damage to the building structure, particularly the ceiling sections, while attempting to remove the surveillance devices,” the statement added.
The affected business owners maintained contact with NUSA officials during the operation, seeking guidance and support.
NUSA’s Welfare Officer, Ozobu, facilitated communication with the victims to document their grievances.
Following the incident, the business owners filed a formal complaint with SAPS Pretoria Central Station under case reference CAS 385/1/2025.
“The complaint was officially documented under reference number CAS 385/1/2025, launching a formal investigation into these grave allegations of misconduct by government officials”, the union concluded.