Nasiphi Moya
1Min
South Africa
Jan 19, 2026
An alleged illegal brothel operating behind a sports bar in Pretoria’s CBD has been shut down by the City of Tshwane, with dozens of women found inside the premises during a joint operation with the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department.
The City of Tshwane has shut down an alleged illegal brothel operating in the Pretoria CBD, following an inspection led by Mayor Nasiphi Moya and the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD).
Mayor Moya on Saturday said the establishment, known as the Savoy VIP Lounge, was discovered during an operation in the city centre and was found to be operating as a brothel behind a sports bar. She said dozens of women were found inside rooms at the premises, which were allegedly being rented out for R1,000 per week.
“This is another illegal brothel we have uncovered in the Pretoria CBD,” Moya said. “The operation was conducted with TMPD, and the establishment has been closed.”
She added that the brothel was allegedly operated by Nigerian nationals and that all the women encountered during the inspection were foreign nationals. Moya said some of the women had valid legal documentation, while others did not.
Moya said relevant authorities would continue to follow due legal processes regarding immigration compliance and any other potential offences identified during the operation.
She reiterated the city’s commitment to enforcing municipal by-laws and cracking down on illegal activities in the CBD. Moya said inspections and law enforcement operations would continue as part of efforts to improve safety, restore order and protect vulnerable individuals in the city.
TMPD has not yet released further details on possible arrests or additional charges arising from the operation.
