The popular illegal tuck shop in Jonker Park is still operating. Nelspruit Post has been reporting on this matter since April and according to Mr Werner le Grange, DA councillor in the area, the owner was arrested a few months ago, but released on bail shortly thereafter. Allegations of drug dealing were reported to the SAPS which then indicated that the shop had been operating without a permit.
Owner, Mr Julio Songs (24), was apprehended for the possession of dagga and selling liquor without a licence. He received an admission of guilt fine and had to pay R1 800 before August 5. According to residents, Songs started operating the tuck shop again shortly after being released.
Neighbours complained about noise, drinking and unwanted characters loitering in the area. At a mayoral Imbizio in May, residents were assured that the shop would be demolished, but that came to nothing. According Songs the residents were jealous and angry. He also added that there had never been any drugs or drug dealings at his shop, which had been raided many times by the SAPS. Nelspruit Post visited Jonker Park in May and upon arriving the scent of marijuana was in the air and alcohol was seen in the back of the shop.
According to Le Grange nothing is being done regarding this situation, because there is no money to issue a court order. According to Mr Joseph Ngala, spokesman for Mbombela, the Nelsville park was cleaned up in May. “It should be noted that illegal activities are taking place at the tuck shop. During the Imbizo, it was proposed by the previous executive mayor that the tuck shop should be demolished. A report will be tabled to council,” Ngala concluded. Nelspruit Post contacted Mr Songs, but there was no answer.
