Drastic measures to restore law and order in Midrand
The MMC confronted illegal operators, demanding proof of compliance, health certifications, and valid licenses. Those unable to meet the legal requirements faced immediate shutdowns.
The City of Johannesburg is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal activities and enhance safety and compliance within the Midrand community.
Led by the MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, the recent #NomakanjaniManjeNamhlanje crime prevention and by-law enforcement operation marked the start of a comprehensive crackdown aimed at restoring order and integrity in the area.
and on July 8, which included the dismantling of a drug den, the closure of non-compliant salons, and the impounding of over 33 unroadworthy vehicles, was initiated following valuable intelligence and community tips that revealed widespread non-compliance and illicit activities in the area.
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“We know that most of the shops are not complying with the by-law. Some [police] collect [bribes] from those shops. We got a tipoff on that. With the drugs as well. We got crystal meth, illegal alcohol, and cigarettes, and we also got [illegal] exchange of money,” said the MMC. “There is more. This is just the tip of the iceberg. We don’t really want to stop people’s business, we just want them to comply with the by-laws. Some of the people do not even understand what a by-law is.”
The operation began at the Midrand Fire Station, where the MMC addressed officers about their mission, emphasising the importance of discipline, visibility, and a zero-tolerance policy toward lawlessness.
Following the briefing, he took decisive action in Midrand, leading a rigorous enforcement effort against shops and salons operating illegally. Each establishment was thoroughly inspected to ensure compliance with municipal by-laws, health standards, and safety regulations.
Also read: Public Safety MMC leads by-law enforcement operation in Midrand
The MMC confronted illegal operators, demanding proof of compliance, health certifications, and valid licenses. Those unable to meet the legal requirements faced immediate shutdowns. Additionally, he orchestrated the bust of a drug den, utilising intelligence and strategic diversion tactics, which resulted in the seisure of illegal substances and the detention of suspects.
“The [drug dealers] are very smart. You need to be way ahead of them, and the people they are working with. Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is correct, in terms of his analysis, and what he has been saying, in terms of this rot,” Tshwaku explained. “Cases disappear. When are we going to sort that out? We’ve been saying it for three years. Mkhwanazi is right, and the president must act. Why do cases disappear? Prosecutors must come and account for what happened with the cases.
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“All those who are involved in stalling cases, who are receiving bribes, must be fired or must be arrested. The cases are not moving at all. We need to investigate when someone was arrested, who the investigator was, and where the docket is. Where on earth have you heard that a docket just went missing? By the way, this is why you do not digitalise, everything is manual.”
FB comment:
Rivesh Ramchurren: Its not drastic measures, its what supposed to be done in the first place.
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