West Rand crackdown: R8.1m in fines and 105 illegal structures demolished
Mogale City and Rand West City were among the municipalities targeted during a province-wide crackdown on crime, speeding, illegal trading and land invasions.
Law enforcement agencies intensified crime prevention, traffic enforcement and by-law operations across the West Rand between June 30 and July 16 as part of a coordinated provincial safety campaign led by the Gauteng Department of Community Safety.
According to Gauteng Department of Community Safety spokesperson Ofentse Morwane, a multidisciplinary team comprising SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs and the West Rand District Municipality conducted extensive roadblocks and law enforcement operations in Mogale City.
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During the campaign, speed cameras recorded 13 476 motorists exceeding the speed limit, resulting in fines totalling almost R7m. Officials also issued 1 696 fines valued at over R1m.
“Authorities also focused on preventing illegal land occupations by conducting patrols in areas including Tudor Shaft, Camel Estate, Vlakdrift and Hekpoort Settlement. A total of 105 illegal structures were demolished in Krugersdorp, Kagiso and surrounding areas,” Morwane said.
Food safety and compliance inspections also resulted in notices being issued, while several shops were closed for failing to comply with regulations.
Crackdown extends across the West Rand
Morwane added that in Rand West City, authorities conducted K78 roadblocks, issued 56 fines valued at R41 000 and executed 28 warrants of arrest.
Elsewhere on the West Rand, municipal law enforcement agencies responded to cable theft and damage to critical infrastructure in Merafong City. Officials also continued Operation Shanela, learner-focused operations and warrant execution campaigns.
During these operations, 54 illegal advertising signs were removed, several arrests were made and 43 fines were issued for illegal trading and illegal dumping in Wedela and Fochville.
“The West Rand campaign formed part of broader province-wide enforcement efforts involving the Gauteng Traffic Police, SAPS, Metro Police Departments, municipal law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders aimed at combating crime, lawlessness and land invasions,” Morwane said.
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Province-wide campaign delivers results
Across Gauteng, coordinated law enforcement efforts resulted in numerous arrests, thousands of traffic fines and the demolition of illegal structures.
In Tshwane, officers arrested motorists for drunk driving, immigration offences and other crimes, while issuing more than 49 000 Aarto notices and impounding more than 100 vehicles.
In Ekurhuleni, police demolished illegal structures, confiscated goods from unlicensed traders and made arrests for offences including drug dealing, robbery and assault. Officers also rescued a kidnapping victim and arrested three suspects.
In Sedibeng, roadblocks led to the execution of hundreds of warrants of arrest, the issuing of fines and compliance notices following inspections of businesses.
Morwane said the Gauteng Department of Community Safety commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, adding that the integrated campaign demonstrates government’s commitment to combating crime, enforcing municipal by-laws, preventing land invasions and protecting critical infrastructure.
He urged residents to continue reporting criminal activity to their nearest police station.
