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Home Affairs Building in Germiston.
Calm has been restored at Pharoe Park low-cost rental units in Germiston, East of Johannesburg, following Tuesday’s protest action and evictions.
During the operation, protestors torched the Home Affairs Building in Germiston.
The Provincial Manager for Gauteng Home Affairs, Mamokubung Moroke, has confirmed that important documents, including smart ID cards and passports, were not damaged in the fire.
The Spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department Thabiso Makgata says the evicted people were illegally occupying 422 units at Pharoe Park, but all is under control.
“Currently, the situation is calm and with just the people waiting for transportation and looking after their belonging. EMPD Specialised services and SAPS are patrolling and monitoring the area around Pharoe Park in Germiston CBD.”
‘Only 13% were paying rent’
Ekurhuleni MMC for Human Settlements, Kgopelo Hollo, has revealed that the area recently occupied illegally by residents was originally intended to be a revenue-generating zone for the City of Johannesburg.
Hollo reports that only about 13% of the 420 residents living in the flats were paying rent.
On Tuesday, Ekurhuleni housing authorities carried out evictions of illegal occupants who failed to pay rent and were unlawfully residing in the area.
The City has confirmed that the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department is enforcing a court order to remove unlawful residents from Pharoe Park.
[WATCH] Calm has been restored in the Germiston CBD after evicted residents allegedly torched the Department of Home Affairs building, forcing evacuations and prompting several arrests. SABC News reporter Calvin Dludla has the latest updates. pic.twitter.com/Uyz8oZTufW
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 12, 2025
