Marble Towers owners rush to court over Joburg city’s demolition threats

The owners of Marble Towers, Goldenrod Group (Pty) Ltd, have approached the High Court on an urgent basis after the City of Johannesburg launched an operation targeting illegal structures at the building earlier this week.

On Monday, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero, accompanied by several MMCs, led a multi-departmental operation at the troubled building in the Johannesburg CBD as part of the city’s crackdown on unsafe and illegally occupied properties.

According to court papers, Goldenrod Group argues that the City intends to demolish, remove or damage structures at Marble Towers without obtaining a lawful court order or following proper legal procedures.

The property owners are seeking an interim interdict preventing the City and its departments from carrying out any demolition or dismantling of structures at the building pending the outcome of further legal proceedings.

In their application, the owners are also asking the court to prohibit City officials from entering the property for demolition purposes or using law enforcement agencies, including SAPS, JMPD and SANDF members, to assist in any enforcement action linked to the proposed demolition.

Goldenrod Group further alleges that tenants and lawful occupants at the building are being intimidated and argues that they should be allowed peaceful access and use of the property.

The application also seeks an order compelling the City to provide all inspection reports, notices, photographs, surveys, written decisions and legal authorisations related to the proposed demolition or enforcement action at Marble Towers.

Meanwhile, the city said Marble Towers owes approximately R14 million in outstanding municipal debt. Due to the non-payment, the municipality says measures have already been implemented to disconnect services and revoke access to the property until the debt is settled.

Mayor Morero said the City would continue enforcing bylaws and addressing unsafe and illegally occupied buildings across Johannesburg.

“We are committed to restoring law and order in the inner city and ensuring that property owners comply with municipal regulations and financial obligations,” said Morero.