The City of Mbombela (CoM) has intensified visible by-law enforcement in hotspot areas to improve safety and ensure legal compliance.

This follows numerous complaints from residents about noise pollution and disturbances in public spaces.

According to CoM spokesperson Joseph Ngala, the municipality is responding to concerns raised by residents.

“Following the outcry from residents, we are attending to complaints and ensuring affected areas receive the necessary attention,” he said.

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Ngala said areas such as Leadwood are already receiving focused attention.

“Leadwood is one of the areas of concern and is receiving the necessary attention from our enforcement teams. We are also dealing with issues on certain streets in Steiltes and Stonehenge, among others. Any other areas from which we receive complaints will also be attended to. We are working with the police where arrests need to be made,” he said.

He urged property owners who rent out accommodation to students to ensure tenants comply with municipal by-laws.

“They must ensure tenants do not create excessive noise and respect their neighbours. However, it should be understood that we cannot be everywhere at all times, but our officers will respond to complaints. Hefty fines will be issued to those who break by-laws, and property owners will also be penalised if their tenants do not comply,” he added.

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Ngala also said the issue of vehicles being serviced on sidewalks remains a challenge. “We have removed some, but they keep returning as customers bring their cars back.

It is a difficult operation, but we have issued fines and will continue until sidewalks are cleared and people use designated areas,” he said.

He added that enforcement will be rolled out gradually across different areas and appealed to the community for patience.

Residents are encouraged to report illegal activities to the municipality.

The move has been welcomed by some residents, who thanked the municipality for its efforts and expressed hope that enforcement will remain consistent to address lawlessness in the city.