Just one building eviction, despite seven court orders
When Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero appeared in an October 2025 Facebook video, he announced that the city had secured ‘over 10 court orders’ to reclaim hijacked and distressed buildings.
He presented these as evidence that the city was ‘taking back control’ of the citys most dangerous structures.
Then, following the murder of Warrick Stock, better known as DJ Warras, the city deployed MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tshwaku, SAPS, city departments and the JMPD to several buildings over the festive season.
The Daily Maverick reports that the operations included inspections and engagement with building hijackers and occupants.
Videos posted on Facebook show illegal electricity and water connections being cut, dangerously exposed wiring removed, compliance notices issued, identification checks conducted and patrol vehicles positioned outside building entrances.
Yet the reality is there has been no real progress – one eviction in the whole inner city area, no permanent securing of buildings, and no relocation of residents.
After the August 2023 Marshalltown fire that claimed 76 lives, city officials launched what they described as an urgent campaign to address derelict buildings.
Despite the mayor’s claim of ‘over 10 court orders’, the city provided DM with documentation for only seven buildings: Moth, Delvers, Remington, Vannin Court, Casa Mia, Wimbledon and Florence Nightingale.
The mayor’s number includes expired or historic matters, draft applications and compliance-related court actions that do not authorise eviction.
City spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane said three buildings – Delvers, Moth and Remington – have been cleared of occupants, but under different legal processes.
Delvers and Moth were declared unsafe for human habitation, after which evacuation orders were issued and executed, with residents relocated to transitional emergency accommodation.
Only one building on the city’s seven-building court-order list has progressed beyond evacuation into actual rehabilitation – Remington Court.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
