The Nigerian Union in 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 National Publicity Secretary of the union, Akindele Olunloyo, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, NUSA President, Smart Nwobi, was on January 17, 2025, notified by several Nigerian business owners operating in the building of an illegal raid on their business premises.

They stated that the incident 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.

According to the statement, NUSA responded swiftly by mobilising key executives, who went to the scene to see for themselves and speak to the affected Nigerian 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 union stated.

The union said the affected business owners had filed a formal complaint with SAPS Pretoria Central Station under case reference CAS 385/1/2025. (The PUNCH)