City of Johannesburg officials, led by MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tshwaku, were met with hostility on Wednesday when they attempted to inspect a pub along 3rd Street near Pan Africa Shopping Centre.
The inspection formed part of Tshwaku’s ongoing by-law enforcement and cleaning operations, which also included oversight visits to Alexandra Magistrate’s Court and the informal settlement along 2nd Street in Wynberg.
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Officials said the pub is being used for illegal activities, including as a brothel. In one of the rooms the pub also has a betting facility. It remains unclear if it is licensed to run the betting facility.
Regional director Thaba Makgafela confirmed that the property is not zoned for such operations and said a formal letter of illegal land use will be issued to the property owner. “It is an illegal land use as it is, but it is not with them per se. It starts with the property owner who must fix what is supposed to be fixed.”
He added that even if operators attempted compliance, zoning restrictions would prevent the pub from continuing its current activities.
When officials tried to carry out their duties, they were blocked by a man reportedly armed with a firearm. He denied them entry and attempted to stop media from filming inside the premises.
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Makgafela revealed that city teams had visited the property four times before, each time encountering resistance. On Wednesday, the situation escalated until Tshwaku called in the tactical reaction unit, which eventually overpowered the man despite his attempts to resist.
The unit seized his weapon and requested documentation for the firearm.
Once inside, officials discovered small rooms fitted with mattresses, reportedly used for prostitution. They also inspected the bar counter and searched the premises thoroughly.
Makgafela said documentation is still being finalised and instructions will be issued to the property owner regarding the activities uncovered.
This is a developing story. More details will follow as events unfold.
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