Tshwane acts to resolve property hindering Rainbow Junction development

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18-03-2025
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Pretoria Rekord
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The metro is in the process of requesting its Group Legal Department to appoint attorneys to facilitate the eviction of the illegal occupants and the demolition of the property.

The illegal occupation of a Tshwane metro-owned property near Rainbow Junction in the north of Pretoria, near Wonderboom Station has delayed construction and led to a legal dispute.

Tshwane has now geared itself to fight the occupants of the property by way of eviction and then demolish the property.

The occupants of the property are alleged perpetrators of the vandalism and theft of infrastructure in the area.

Despite repeated efforts by the business community, ward councillors, and the local crime prevention forum to get the metro to take action, the issue has persisted for over five years.

Rainbow Junction, a major development in the north of Pretoria region, has been directly affected by the illegal occupation of this property.

The property is described as derelict, riddled with overgrown grass and further, allegedly provides an ideal environment for criminals to operate.

Developers of Rainbow Junction have voiced frustration over the metro’s inaction and the impact it has on their operations and the safety of the surrounding community.

One of the primary concerns raised by Rainbow Junction is the property’s role as a hideout for criminals involved in theft and vandalism in the area.

According to Rainbow Junction’s Leona Karp, the property has become a base for criminals who target local infrastructure, including the main electricity cable that powers the area.

The property’s proximity to the Pretoria North railway station has also raised alarm.

“The property’s condition and the illegal activities that take place there have created an unsafe environment for both the businesses and residents in the area.

“We have been reporting these issues to the city for the last five years, but no meaningful action has been taken,” said Karp.

“The metro has acknowledged the severity of the situation and confirmed that they are aware of the illegal occupation of the property.”

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo cited legal processes as the primary reason for the delay in addressing the issue.

He said the metro is in the process of requesting its Group Legal Department to appoint attorneys to facilitate the eviction of the illegal occupants and then demolish the property.

“The metro is dependent on legal processes for the eviction of illegal occupants and the demolition of the property.

“These processes also need to take into account the issue of alternative accommodation for vulnerable groups residing on the property,” said Mashigo.

While the metro has acknowledged the community’s concerns, the timeline for a resolution remains unclear.

Mashigo said the eviction of illegal occupants and the demolition of unsafe structures will only take place once the necessary legal steps are completed.

Beyond the criminal activity, the illegal occupation of the property has also led to environmental concerns.

Karp said they have reported instances of sewage contamination of the stormwater systems in the nearby Apies River.

She said these stormwater systems originate from Pretoria North, and the illegal occupation of the city-owned property has contributed to blockages, pollution, and ongoing contamination.

Karp expressed hope that the metro would take swift action to resolve the issues surrounding the illegal occupation of the property.

“The situation is becoming increasingly dire, and if no action is taken soon, the risks to the community and the city’s infrastructure will only grow.

“We need the metro to take decisive action to eradicate the criminal elements that have taken root on this property.”

Mashigo said they will explore long-term solutions for the property, including determining its future use.

While the metro works through legal channels, they have encouraged the local community and businesses to continue reporting illegal activities on the property.

Mashigo noted that residents could follow up with the metro for progress updates.