Union alleges South African authorities targeting Nigerian businesses in raids
The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has raised concerns over alleged systematic property damage and seizures during a by-law enforcement operation at the Navy House, Fatima Building, in Pretoria Central.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by NUSA’s National Publicity Secretary, Akindele Olunloyo.
On January 17, 2025, NUSA President Smart Nwobi was alerted by several Nigerian business owners operating in the building about the incident.
The operation was reportedly carried out by a joint 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, under the “Reclaim Our City” initiative.
According to the statement, the operation involved alleged systematic property damage and the confiscation of items belonging to Nigerian business owners.
In response, Nwobi convened a team of NUSA executives, including Vice President Prof. Collins Potokri, Legal Adviser Anthonia Ndubuisi, and Welfare Officer Tonia Ozobu, to investigate the matter.
Ndubuisi visited the scene to gather firsthand accounts from affected business owners. According to her findings, officials reportedly confiscated valuable items, including expensive Brazilian hair extensions, electronics such as TVs and microwaves, professional hair salon equipment, large sums of money, and even beverages.
The statement further alleged that officials intentionally damaged surveillance systems in the building, dismantling CCTV cameras and their recording equipment, while causing structural damage, particularly to the ceilings, during the process.
The affected business owners remained in contact with NUSA representatives during the operation, seeking support and guidance. Welfare Officer Ozobu assisted in documenting their grievances.
Subsequently, the business owners filed a formal complaint with SAPS Pretoria Central Station, registered under case reference CAS 385/1/2025.
“The complaint has been officially recorded under reference number CAS 385/1/2025, initiating a formal investigation into these serious allegations of misconduct by government officials,” the union concluded.
