Illegal Tavern upsets residents
PRESIDENT PARK - Residents of President Park say they are tired of the noise at Mbafi Empire Lodge on Pretorius Road.
Residents claim that on 2 November the lodge started selling liquor again without a licence, and the noise was unbearable. This is not the first time President Park residents have complained about the lodge. Ever since 2009 there is a record of the same complaints against Mbafi Empire Lodge.
Five of the residents spoke to the Midrand Reporter on condition of anonymity. They claim that after articles appeared in the media, they received threats for going to the press.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Sector 1 Policing Forum chairman, Steven Johnstone said Midrand Police once escorted them to Mbafi Empire Lodge to speak to the owner. “The noise from drunk people and the loud music never stops at Mbafi Empire Lodge. At one time Midrand SAPS escorted us to Mbafi Empire Lodge. When we approached the people at the lodge, they turned down the music but when we left they [just turned it back up].”
Mbafi Empire Lodge owner Lot Maceve said, “The people who are complaining of the noise must come forward to me. In 2009 I was selling alcohol at the premises and customers made a noise. I stopped selling liquor from the premises from 2009 till this day. On 2 November I was at Mbafi Empire Lodge, there was no noise being made.”
Maceve added, “I own quite a big property and there are people who may be jealous of my achievements. These people have been harassing me for years, I am the one who should lay complaints. In 2011 some of these anonymous residents accused me of being a friend of noisy politicians.”
Maceve said that he is a businessman, “If political parties or corporate companies approach me to use my venue for meetings and functions, I will not turn them away. At the moment there is nothing taking place at Mbafi, we are renovating the place.”
On 8 November Ward 110 councillor Steven Lamola told the Midrand Reporter that he will meet with the residents and hear their latest complaints about Mbafi Empire Lodge. Steven Johnstone confirmed that councillor Lamola set and cancelled a meeting with residents at the last minute. Johnstone said councillor Lamola is often unavailable when they want a meeting with him. Midrand Reporter has tried to reach councillor Lamola for days without success.
