Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM), together with the Department of Public Safety, descended on Munsieville in a decisive clean-up and enforcement operation aimed at restoring safety and order.

Illegal structures were removed, trading hotspots were cleared, and community members were educated on proper trading practices – all part of the Mogale’s ongoing push to create safer and well-regulated neighbourhoods.

According to Executive Mayor Lucky Sele, the City’s Bylaw Enforcement Unit is ramping up efforts across Mogale to curb lawlessness linked to illegal trading setups and unapproved construction.

“This serves as a stern warning to all non-compliant traders across the city: We are coming. Illegal structures, unsafe trading setups and the disregard of bylaws will no longer be tolerated. Operations will continue intensifying as we work to build a safer, cleaner and well-regulated environment for all,” Sele declared.

He explained that the municipality enforces by-laws against illegal structures, including those built without plans or in prohibited areas, by issuing warnings and, when necessary, taking enforcement action such as demolition, as recently done in Munsieville. Key governing laws include the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management By-law (Spluma) and municipal building regulations, which make unauthorised construction unlawful.

According to Mogale City’s official website, illegal structures include:

• Buildings erected without approved plans
• Structures built in prohibited zones, such as wetlands or public open spaces
• Unapproved land uses, including informal trading setups or makeshift housing

Residents who wish to assist in reporting illegal structures or trading can contact the Development Planning Section via email at willie.voges@mogalecity.gov.za.