August 22, 2006
By Thabang Mokoka
ONE hundred and seventy one people were fined or arrested on various charges as hundreds of Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers, in conjunction with a number of the city's utilities, swooped on the streets and buildings of the inner city to enforce by-laws on Monday, 21 August.
The arrests were made at the start of the seven-day Operation Hleka (Tidy Up), which aims to ensure residents in the inner city of Johannesburg are aware of and adhere to municipal by-laws governing the metropolis.
Officers have swooped on downtown Joburg to enforce by-laws
The operation has seen metro officers dispatched between Wolmarans, End, Village and Kock street to seek by-law offenders and ensure by-laws are enforced.
By the end of the day, 93 people had been arrested for outstanding traffic warrants and one person for obstruction of justice. Twenty fines were issued for illegal trading and 52 illegal traders had their goods confiscated, while five restaurant owners were fined for contravening emergency by-laws.
According to JMPD spokesperson, Wayne Minnaar, the reason for launching the operation is that many of the by-law violations pose a danger to the people living in the area where the offences are committed.
"For example, illegal electrical connections often fatally injure unsuspecting members of the community, whereas illegal dumping is not only unsightly but may, in some instances, be hazardous to the health and well-being of an entire neighbourhood."
The operation is part of JMPD's mission to ensure that the city's residents live in a safe and secure environment. Minnaar stresses that the organisation's activities go beyond just traffic management, with by-law enforcement being one such critical component.
Minnaar says, "It's going to be successful operation; we will have more than 60 percent of the people respecting the law after the operation."
During Operation Hleka, JMPD will:
- Assist City Power in identifying and eliminating all illegal electricity connections;
- Work closely with Joburg Water in eradicating illegal water connections;
- Partner with Johannesburg City Parks to help stamp out transgressions of Parks by-laws, with Joubert Park warranting special attention; and
- Be on the lookout for unroadworthy and stolen vehicles, along with individuals in possession of illegal or unlicensed firearms.
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