Executive Mayor of Tshwane in Centurion during Reclaim our city operation
Cllr Nasiphi Moya
Executive Mayor of Tshwane
On Friday, 21 February 2025, the City of Tshwane conducted another successful Reclaim Our City operation that led to the arrest of nine illegal immigrants, the confiscation of illegal firearms and the closure of a Pick n Pay grocery store.
Friday’s operation was held mainly in The Reeds in Centurion, Region 4.
The joint operation was led by the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the City of Tshwane Health Department and Environment and Agriculture Management Department.
The Reclaim Our City operations are held weekly and are intended to check by-law compliance by businesses and to deal with criminal elements operating in Tshwane.
While much of the focus in recent weeks has been on spaza shops, the City does not discriminate in its mission to protect residents.
Large retailers will not be protected from accountability and compliance.
Friday’s operation took place at Blu Valley Mall, with compliance checks at Pick n Pay, Pizza Perfect, Woolworths and an illegal gambling establishment called Star Dust Internet Café.
Pick n Pay was barred from operating after our health inspectors deemed the store to be in violation of several codes.
Executive Mayor of Tshwane in Centurion inspecting the food
during Reclaim our city operation
A Section 56 notice to the value of R5 000 was issued by the Health Department.
The store also did not comply with the following fire requirements:
• The permit had expired.
• Firehose reels were blocked.
• There was a loose gas cylinder in the stove (keeping an extra one is not allowed).
• There was storage under the stairs.
At Woolworths, while the store was not closed, our officials were concerned about several areas of business operations, as follows:
• The Health Department issued OTR Notice Number 026552.
• The Emergency Services Department issued OTR Notice Number 24598.
• Fire equipment signage not visible.
• The hazardous substances certificate was not on display.
The operation also discovered an illegal gambling establishment disguised as an internet café. Inside the premises, we found 13 firearms and R8 320.
Executive Mayor of Tshwane in Centurion inspecting the food
during Reclaim our city operation
A person found inside the establishment was arrested. The Health Department issued Notice Number 7571567 to the value of R5 000.
At the local Pizza Perfect, the owner of the restaurant was found to be employing undocumented immigrants.
The operation ensured the arrest of nine people for contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002).
In addition, 17 notices were issued for contravention of the Businesses Act, 1991 (Act 71 of 1991 to the value of R7 600.