Paragraph 1: The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) raises concerns over alleged property damage and seizures during a by-law enforcement operation.
The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has expressed serious concerns regarding an alleged incident of systematic property damage and seizures during a by-law enforcement operation at the Navy House, Fatima Building in Pretoria Central. This operation, part of the "Reclaim Our City" initiative, involved a joint task force comprising the Department of Home Affairs, South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police, City of Tshwane authorities, and Gauteng traffic officers. NUSA President, Smart Nwobi, was alerted to the situation on January 17, 2025, by distressed Nigerian business owners operating within the building, who reported an illegal raid on their premises. The union immediately mobilized key executives to investigate the claims and offer support to the affected individuals.
Paragraph 2: Nigerian business owners report extensive seizures and property damage during the operation.
Upon arriving at the scene, NUSA representatives were met with accounts from Nigerian business owners detailing the extensive seizure of their commercial assets. Officials allegedly confiscated a wide range of items, including valuable Brazilian hair extensions, hairpieces, electronics such as televisions and microwaves, professional hair salon equipment like dryers and tongs, substantial sums of money, and even beverages from their refrigerators. The business owners expressed deep concern over the apparent indiscriminate nature of the seizures and the significant financial losses incurred. They asserted that the operation had severely impacted their livelihoods and questioned the legality and justification for such extensive confiscation of their property.
Paragraph 3: Allegations of deliberate destruction of surveillance systems to obstruct evidence gathering.
Beyond the seizures, the Nigerian business owners alleged that the officials systematically dismantled and removed surveillance equipment throughout the building. This included the removal of CCTV cameras and their recording devices, raising suspicions of a deliberate attempt to erase any potential evidence of misconduct during the operation. The business owners described the officials’ actions as calculated and malicious, designed to obstruct any future investigations into the incident. This act of destroying security infrastructure further fueled their concerns about the legitimacy and transparency of the entire operation.
Paragraph 4: Further allegations of property damage to the building structure during the removal of surveillance equipment.
In addition to the removal of surveillance systems, the affected business owners reported that the officials caused considerable damage to the building structure itself, particularly to the ceiling sections, while attempting to remove the surveillance devices. This further exacerbated their losses and raised questions about the level of care and professionalism exercised during the operation. The business owners expressed frustration over the apparent disregard for their property and the additional costs they would incur to repair the damage. They emphasized that the extent of the damage suggested a reckless approach by the officials involved.
Paragraph 5: Formal complaint filed with SAPS Pretoria Central Station to initiate an investigation.
In response to these serious allegations, the affected Nigerian business owners filed a formal complaint with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Pretoria Central Station. The complaint, officially documented under case reference CAS 385/1/2025, initiated a formal investigation into the alleged misconduct by the government officials involved in the "Reclaim Our City" operation. The business owners expressed hope that a thorough and impartial investigation would be conducted to determine the legality of the seizures and property damage, and to hold those responsible accountable for any wrongdoing.
Paragraph 6: NUSA’s commitment to supporting the affected business owners and ensuring due process.
The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has pledged to provide full support to the affected Nigerian business owners throughout the investigation process. The union emphasized its commitment to ensuring that the rights of its members are protected and that due process is followed. NUSA called for transparency and accountability from the relevant authorities and expressed confidence that the investigation would shed light on the events that transpired at the Navy House, Fatima Building. The union reiterated its determination to pursue justice for its members and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
