The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has demolished 17 illegally erected structures and shut down five supermarkets during a major law enforcement operation in region 6 this week.
The Rea Spana operation was carried out in Mamelodi on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, together with other City of Tshwane stakeholders.
According to the TMPD, the demolitions were conducted to curb unlawful land occupation in the city.
The TMPD Communication Unit stated that, their swift action serves as a strong warning against unlawful land occupation within the city of Tshwane.
In a separate operation on the same day in Eersterust, TMPD regional policing members conducted business compliance inspections. Five supermarkets were closed for failing to comply with municipal by-laws.
The TMPD has urged all business owners to adhere to statutory requirements and called on residents to continue working with law enforcement.
Some residents still question the motive of the city, saying that operation targets struggling small business owners and vulnerable families instead of tackling serious crime, drug dealing and poor service delivery in region 6.
Other residents said while they support law enforcement, the city should also run awareness campaigns to help small business owners understand compliance requirements to prevent job losses.