JMPD called after billboard team busted erecting an illegal advert
Ward 94 Councillor David Foley wasn’t about to let an unapproved billboard sneak its way onto Kyalami’s skyline.
While driving through at corner of the R55 and Main Road on July 16 in Kyalami, Ward 94 councillor David Foley noticed something that didn’t quite sit right.
“I noticed some digging at the corner of the R55 and Main Road,” he said. “I approached the team and I asked for the required paperwork, and unfortunately, it’s a little bit out of date.”
Foley said a brand-new billboard base had just been installed, despite no valid permit being displayed. “There’s a whole new base being put up here, with the old base not far from it. The new base was probably dug in the last couple of days.”
Also read: Illegal advert contractors caught red-handed and stopped by JMPD
Not wasting any time, Foley called in Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officers, who arrived within minutes.
“I’m very happy about that. There were quite a few JMPD officers here.”
He also contacted the city’s outdoor advertising team, who confirmed that the documentation on-site was outdated. “The paperwork is not in order. Because it’s a new application, they should have applied to the city again.”
According to Foley, the existing approval likely expired between 2019 and 2024. He said that with no new approval in place, JMPD and the outdoor advertising unit will move to impound the equipment and require a proper application process going forward.
Also read: The ugly truth about advertising illegally in Johannesburg
“There’s an application, apparently, but no approval, and that is the challenge at the moment.” Foley is urging residents to keep their eyes open for similar activity.
“Be vigilant when you see people digging. Give me a call. We’ll get the JMPD. We’ll sort it out. Let’s keep things legal, and that’s the way I like to work. Active citizenry,” he added. “If you see something, tell me. I will address it.”
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