The Nigerian Union South Africa has raised concerns about alleged systematic property damage and asset confiscation during a by-law enforcement operation conducted at the Navy House, Fatima Building, in Pretoria Central.
According to The PUNCH, in a statement signed by the union’s National Publicity Secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, on Tuesday, NUSA reported that its President, Smart Nwobi, was alerted by Nigerian business owners on January 17, 2025, about what they described as an unlawful raid on their premises.
The operation, which formed part of the “Reclaim Our City” initiative, was reportedly carried out by a joint team comprising officials from the Department of Home Affairs, South African Police Service Metro Police, City of Tshwane authorities, and Gauteng traffic officers.
The statement detailed, “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.”
NUSA promptly mobilized its key executives to the scene to assess the situation and engage with the affected Nigerian entrepreneurs.
The union stated, “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 affected shop owners have since lodged an official complaint with SAPS Pretoria Central Station, documented under case number CAS 385/1/2025.
NUSA confirmed, “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.”
