Metro police never got noise complaint
The matter will be forwarded to the Kempton Park Precinct and to the by-laws unit
HENDRIK BOTHA of Norkem Park writes:
I had a problem with neighbours playing loud music.
I called 011-458-0911 twice, the first time just after 2pm. I was provided with the following reference number: Handed over, 2016031950386, P2, LOUD MUSIC.
No response vehicle showed up and I phoned again just after 6pm. I was once again provided with a new reference: Handed over, 2016031950631, P2, LOUD MUSIC FROM 14H00.
It is now 9.30pm, still no vehicle but still blaring loud music. I called Norkem Park SAPS. Apparently they don’t handle rest disturbance cases anymore and thus never came out after a promise of a vehicle.
The spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), Lt Col Wilfred Kgasago, said disturbance of peace or excessive noise pollution could be tackled using EMPD by-laws or Gauteng Noise Control Regulations in terms of Environmental Health.
I quote: “Under the by-laws of the municipality, no person may disturb the public peace either in public or on private property. Disturbance of the peace includes shouting, quarrelling, fighting, singing or playing any type of musical instrument.
“Radios, loud speakers or similar devices can also disturb the peace. Riotous, violent or immoral behaviour are also classified as disturbing the peace. According to the by-laws, offenders are liable to a fine, not exceeding R2 000, on conviction.
“Should the offender default on payment, they could face imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months.
“The Gauteng Noise Control Regulations state that no one is allowed to play a radio, television, drum set, musical instrument, sound amplifier, loudspeaker system or similar device producing, reproducing or amplifying sound so as to cause a noise nuisance. Under the Gauteng regulations, the offender is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding R20 000. The time the unacceptable noise is made is immaterial.”
Lt Col Wilfred Kgasago, metro police spokesman, replies:
This office has not been notified of the complaint.
The procedure for calls that go via our call centre is as follows:
• The call centre forwards the complaint to this office and
• This office gives the complaint to the relevant precinct or unit to tackle.
Unfortunately, this office has no record of the complaint. However, the matter, since it has been brought to this office’s attention, will be forwarded to the Kempton Park Precinct and to the by-laws unit.
Depending on the gravity of the disturbance after monitoring the complaint, either the precinct or the by-law unit will tackle the problem.
