Prominent residential estate in South Africa’s richest city hit by rodent infestation and smoke pollution

Bryan Brook Estate, located on Witkoppen Road in Paulshof, Sandton, has been hit by a rodent infestation and smoke pollution caused by a squatter camp.

Bryan Brook Estate is an established, highly regarded sectional title security complex with lifestyle facilities and strong security.

It is popular among young professionals, small families, and property investors due to its competitive pricing and low monthly levies.

It offers easy access to the N1 highway and major hubs such as Fourways, Sunninghill, and Bryanston, and is close to Cambridge Crossing and Netcare Sunninghill Hospital.

However, in recent years, residents have voiced their frustration with persistent smoke pollution from nearby informal settlements.

This is because the squatters in Clay Oven and Ginger Farm burn waste and firewood to keep warm and cook food.

They have also raised concerns about a rise in rodent activity, which the community is actively pressing the City of Johannesburg to address.

The problem dates back many years. On 30 September 2022, Bryan Brook Estate launched a petition and a formal request to manage Brecknock squatters.

“The residents of Bryan Brook Estate desperately need intervention from the City of Joburg, SAPS and JPMD about the illegal squatter problem in Brecknock,” it said.

“We are suffering from the impact the smoke and refuse smell has on the estate and environment,” it said.

“Owners are also unable to sell or rent out their units, as nobody wants to live next to a squatter camp.”

“This has a negative impact on both the Estate’s finances and the owners who are unable to sell or get tenants.”

Bryan Brook Estate added that there was illegal dumping and trading happening daily, which causes serious problems.

“Our staff cannot empty the bins from the Estate in our skip without being threatened by the squatters,” the estate said.

“That area has become unsightly as Pikit Up cannot go in there to empty the skip, so the smell carries through the Estate.”

“We pay for these services, but because of threats and intimidation, we don’t get the services we pay for.”

Bryan Brook Estate asked the City of Johannesburg to assist it in speeding up the process of having the eviction application from the landowner passed in court.

“We want the SAPS to assist with the threats and intimidation so that our staff can discard our refuse and for Pikit Up to empty the skip,” it said.

It also asked the Joburg Metro Police Department to assist with the illegal refuse dumping and trading on Witkoppen.

In July 2025, Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero led a joint operation to enforce bylaws and dismantle illegal informal settlements in the area.

However, the impact was not lasting, and the same issues that had occurred before have resurfaced at Bryan Brook Estate.

On 25 June 2026, the Fourways Review reported that residents grew frustrated by the City of Johannesburg’s lack of action.

“To say that I am disappointed with the lack of communication and visible action from the City of Johannesburg would be an understatement,” said resident Dawie Mullins.

The Fourways Review reported that residents had not received meaningful updates on the interventions that had taken place, nor on when they could expect relief.

“The rodent infestation has become a serious health concern and is having a significant impact on residents’ quality of life,” said Mullins.

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Clay Oven Informal Settlement photos

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