Reports of growing informal settlements, street traders, and by-law infringements in Fourways have drawn a strong response from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), which said it was stepping up enforcement as part of its citywide campaign.
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed that Operation Nomakanjani Manje Namhlanje, a multidisciplinary initiative under the City of Johannesburg’s Public Safety Department, is actively targeting these issues.
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“By-law enforcement is a continuous process, and JMPD works closely with other city departments, including City Power and Pikitup, to address illegal activities on public land,” said Fihla.
Crime prevention is also central to the Metro police’s strategy. Patrol visibility has been increased, and the Integrated Intelligence Operations Centre uses a CCTV network to monitor crime hotspots, including major Fourways intersections prone to smash-and-grab incidents.
On immigration, Fihla stressed that the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) was responsible for undocumented migrants, but JMPD supported joint operations with DHA and SAPS where municipal by-laws and crime overlapped.
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In Fourways and surrounding areas, the Metro police’s approach will include increased patrols, targeted law enforcement operations against land occupation and trading, CCTV hotspot monitoring, and collaboration with residents.
“JMPD remains committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all. We urge residents to keep reporting illegal activities,” Fihla added.
Key enforcement actions include:
- Illegal dumping: Joint clean-up operations with Pikitup and Environmental Health.
- Cable theft: Joint operations with City Power and SAPS, with City Power replacing copper with aluminium cables to deter thieves.
- Street trading: Crackdowns on illegal traders to keep public spaces safe and compliant.
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