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Pretoria’s CBD Under Siege: The Growing Crisis of Hijacked Buildings and Rising Crime

The City of Tshwane is in the grip of an urban crisis as hijacked buildings fuel rising crime, human trafficking, and social decay in Pretoria’s central business district (CBD).
With abandoned buildings turned into drug dens, illegal chop shops, and even unregistered daycare centers, the city’s urban landscape is crumbling under the weight of neglect and criminal exploitation.
“Hijacked from All Sides” – A City in Crisis
Tshwane’s Mayor, Nasiphi Moya, didn’t mince words when describing the situation: “The CBD is being hijacked from all sides.”
The extent of the problem is staggering:
- Abandoned office blocks transformed into hubs for criminal syndicates
- Illegal land occupations creating health and fire hazards
- Forged property documents making it nearly impossible for legitimate owners to reclaim their buildings
Even more concerning, the city doesn’t know how many buildings have been hijacked, underscoring the scale of the problem.
Real-Life Horror Stories Behind Closed Doors
Behind the crumbling facades are real stories of human suffering:
- In 2023, police uncovered a human trafficking ring in a hijacked building on Lillian Ngoyi Street, rescuing 15 young women who were lured with false job promises.
- On Sisulu Street, an abandoned car dealership was still operational, bizarrely featuring an ambulance from the Eastern Cape—with no one around to explain its presence.
- Illegal daycare centers and makeshift churches operate in unsafe, unregulated spaces, putting vulnerable lives at risk.
These cases reveal not just the decay of infrastructure but the decay of humanity within these compromised spaces.
Who’s Behind the Hijackings?
It’s not just petty criminals. According to Grandi Theunissen, MMC for Community Safety, organized crime syndicates are deeply involved. Disturbingly, some even have connections within the deeds office, making fraudulent property transfers shockingly easy.
Minister of Public Works, Dean Macpherson, has identified 272 hijacked buildings nationwide, with many concentrated in Pretoria. He’s acknowledged the widespread neglect and the role of corruption in perpetuating the crisis.
The Crime Surge: More Than Just Buildings
Since 2019, crime in Pretoria’s CBD has risen by 30%, directly linked to:
- Non-functional CCTV cameras—over 319 of them inactive despite a R400 million investment
- Illegal land occupations and cable theft draining city resources
- Counterfeit goods markets thriving in Pretoria West
- Drug trafficking hotspots like Sunnyside
Criminals operate with impunity, exploiting both the city’s infrastructure failures and its vulnerable populations.
Reclaim the City: A Glimmer of Hope
In response, Tshwane launched the “Reclaim the City” program, focusing on:
- Enforcing bylaws and shutting down unsafe buildings
- Relocating informal traders to legal spaces
- Cracking down on illegal immigration and drug networks
- Targeting unregulated scrapyards linked to crime syndicates
While the program is still in its early stages, it represents a critical step toward restoring order.
A Pivotal Moment: Tshwane’s Investment Summit
In March 2025, Tshwane will host an investment summit, hoping to attract interest in:
- Business development opportunities
- Student accommodation projects
- Affordable housing initiatives
This summit isn’t just about investment—it’s about showcasing Pretoria’s potential for renewal amid its urban decay.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Solutions
Tshwane’s crisis is complex, but solutions are within reach:
- Law Enforcement Reforms: Strengthen anti-corruption measures, especially within the deeds office.
- Community Engagement: Empower residents to report illegal activities without fear of retaliation.
- Urban Renewal Projects: Incentivize private sector investment to rehabilitate abandoned properties.
- Technology Overhaul: Repair and upgrade the city’s CCTV network to restore effective surveillance.
Can Tshwane Be Saved?
The crisis of hijacked buildings in Pretoria is more than an urban issue—it’s a human tragedy. But with coordinated efforts through programs like Reclaim the City, a dedicated focus on law enforcement, and public-private partnerships, there’s hope that Tshwane can reclaim its streets, restore public confidence, and create a safer, more prosperous future for all.
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