Tensions boiled over in Germiston on Tuesday morning when protesters took to the streets, blocking major roads and allegedly setting a Home Affairs building on fire.
Germiston protests turn violent with building fire
The unrest is believed to be linked to evictions at Pharoe Park, a block of low-cost rental flats in the area.
According to officials, residents had been occupying the flats without paying rent, and the City of Ekurhuleni was carrying out a court order to remove them.
The protest affected several streets in the Germiston CBD, including:
- President Street;
- Queen Street; and
- Jack Street.
Law enforcement officers from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), South African Police Service (SAPS), and Gauteng Traffic were deployed to manage the chaos.
City of Ekurhuleni fire spokesperson William Ntladi said firefighters arrived at around 08:00 to find the two-storey Home Affairs building in flames.
“The top section is well alight. The bottom one, we are still battling to break in and see what is happening,” Ntladi confirmed.
Nearby buildings were evacuated and closed for safety. While the fire has been brought under control, investigations are still underway to determine the exact cause.
No injuries have been reported so far.
Evictions at Pharoe Park spark unrest
The protests appear to be linked to the eviction of families living illegally at Pharoe Park. This housing complex has six blocks with 450 units, all of which are reportedly occupied without valid leases.
Residents were served eviction notices on 26 June 2025 but refused to leave, leading to a tense standoff with authorities. On Tuesday morning, police moved in to enforce the court order, firing rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
Ntladi said the EMPD is “ensuring the execution of the order is conducted within the confines of the law” and urged residents to remain calm and use legal channels to express grievances.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber condemned the burning of the building, saying:
“It is nothing less than an attack on our social infrastructure and cannot stand.”
He confirmed that Home Affairs is gathering evidence and will open criminal cases against those responsible.
While flames have been contained and streets are being cleared, the situation in Germiston remains tense. Authorities continue to monitor the area to prevent further violence as eviction operations proceed at Pharoe Park.
Motorists are advised to avoid the CBD until calm is fully restored.