The owner of an illegal tuck shop operating in Jonker Park was arrested by the SAPS on Tuesday morning. According to Capt Dawie Pretorius, the suspect (24) was apprehended for the possession of dagga and selling liquor without a licence. The SAPS were informed by a source and immediately reacted. The man received an admission of guilt fine and would have to pay R1 800 before August 5.
The vendor had been operating for nearly four months and residents were left fatigued due to the noise, especially on weekends. According to a well-known resident, Ms Mary Schatz, they were fed up with all the unwanted characters wandering around and late-night parties.
Nelspruit Post had contacted the owner in April where he admitted to selling alcohol without a licence, but added that he had been in the process of obtaining a permanent liquor licence. He also claimed that residents were angry and jealous.
This issue was also raised at a mayoral imbizo held in April and according to the DA’s Mr Werner le Grange, the Nelsville ward councillor, they were promised that the building would be demolished. The former executive mayor, Cllr Cathy Dllamini, had indicated that the vendor needed to follow the necessary processes of applying so that permits could be issued.
