The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has voiced serious concerns over what they describe as a deliberate campaign of property damage and confiscations during a recent by-law enforcement operation at Navy House, Fatima Building, located in the heart of Pretoria Central.
This revelation was made public through a statement that was issued on Tuesday by NUSA’s National Publicity Secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, bringing the alarming situation to the attention of the public and the relevant authorities.
On January 17, 2025, the NUSA President, Smart Nwobi, was informed by several Nigerian business owners operating within the building about the distressing incident. The business owners reported that the operation, which appeared to be systematically executed, led to substantial damage to their properties and the unlawful confiscation of several valuable items.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out by a multi-agency task force comprising officials from the Department of Home Affairs, South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police, City of Tshwane authorities, and Gauteng traffic officers. This task force was acting under the directive of the “Reclaim Our City” initiative, which aims to enforce municipal by-laws across the city. However, what transpired during this particular operation has raised concerns among the affected business owners and NUSA representatives alike.
As per the details provided in the statement, the operation allegedly involved not only the confiscation of goods but also the systematic destruction of property belonging to Nigerian business owners. Among the items reportedly seized by the officials were expensive Brazilian hair extensions, televisions, microwaves, professional-grade hair salon equipment, large sums of money, and even beverages. These actions have prompted the union to speak out against the perceived unjust treatment of Nigerian nationals in South Africa.
In response to these serious allegations, President Nwobi called for immediate action and convened a team of NUSA executives to investigate the matter thoroughly. This included Vice President Prof. Collins Potokri, Legal Adviser Anthonia Ndubuisi, and Welfare Officer Tonia Ozobu. Together, they worked swiftly to gather information and ensure that the issue was appropriately addressed. Ndubuisi, in particular, was sent to the scene to personally interview the affected business owners and gather firsthand accounts of the operation's impact. Her findings suggested that officials had intentionally damaged and dismantled critical security equipment, such as CCTV cameras and recording systems, further adding to the severity of the situation. Structural damage to the building itself, particularly to the ceilings, was also reportedly caused during the operation.
Throughout the operation, the affected business owners kept in close contact with NUSA representatives, seeking guidance and assistance. Welfare Officer Ozobu took on the responsibility of documenting the grievances of the business owners, ensuring that every aspect of the incident was properly recorded for future reference. The union's prompt response and ongoing support underscored their commitment to standing by Nigerian nationals facing undue challenges in South Africa.
Following the operation, the affected business owners were advised to formally lodge a complaint with the South African Police Service. As a result, a complaint was officially filed at the SAPS Pretoria Central Station, and the matter has been registered under case reference number CAS 385/1/2025. This marks the beginning of a formal investigation into the allegations of misconduct and abuse of power by government officials during the operation. The union expressed hope that the investigation would lead to a thorough examination of the incident and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, NUSA emphasized the gravity of the allegations and the potential implications for the relationship between South African authorities and Nigerian business owners. The union has vowed to continue advocating for the rights and safety of its members, ensuring that such incidents are not repeated in the future. The formal complaint now filed with SAPS marks an important step in addressing the concerns raised by the Nigerian community in South Africa, and the union remains committed to seeking justice for those affected by the operation.