Residents of Nelsville have been complaining about an illegal vendor who’s been operating in Jonker Park for nearly two months. According to a resident, Mary Schatz, they are all fed up with the noise and unwanted characters wandering around. An unknown source also informed Schatz that pornographic movies are shown on a projector, but it has not yet been confirmed.
At The mayoral imbizo a month ago, residents were ensured that the place would be demolished, but nothing was done. “We are worried about the safety of our children,” said Schatz.
Nelspruit Post reported on this matter in March. Allegations of drugs and dealing were reported to the SAPS who then inidcated that the shop was operating without a permit and should be closed down by the Mbombela Municipality, but that came to nought.
According to Werner le Grange, DA spokesman for Mbombela, it was the first item on the agenda at the imbizo in March. “We were promised then that it would be demolished.”
Mr Jopseph Ngala, spokesman for Mbombela, said the allegations of drug dealing were investigated on numerous occasions by the police, through unannounced visits and raids, but were not confirmed. “It is true that the matter was raised at the recent imbizo by both the vendor’s family and other residents,” said Ngala. Executive mayor Cllr Cathy Dllamini, indicated that the vendor needed to follow the necessary processes of applying so that permits could be issued. Mbomebla’s Municipality will follow up internally with the relevant department to find out if the application has been made and to track the progress.
According to the owner of the tuck shop, mr Julio Songn, he believes that the residents are jealous and angry. “I do not have a permanent license for the alcohol, but I am in the process of getting one,” Songn said. He also added that there has never been any drugs or drug dealing at his tuck shop and he has been raided many times by the SAPS. Nelspruit Post visited Jonker Park only to discover that the building is not operating, but a small tuck shop at the back of the structure that is part of a house. It’s the tuck shop that belongs to Songn’s. Upon entering a smell of marijuana smoke hung in the air and alcohol was seen in the back of the shop. Unknown residents assured us that there is no pornographic movies showing, only sports games.
