Metro cracks down on Lyttelton lawlessness

Residents in Lyttelton are pleased with the enforcement and clean-up operation carried out in their area on June 27, which targeted illegal activities around car washes, informal food vendors and shebeens.

The operation involved a co-ordinated effort between the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), municipal health department, and city officials to address a growing number of complaints from residents.

Freedom Front Plus PR Councillor Wesley Jacobs said the action was long overdue and formed part of ongoing plans to clean up hotspots in Lyttelton.

“We first conducted a clean-up on Fountains Avenue, where we removed illegal settlers in front of the trees due to resident complaints. I arranged for a Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB) and a waste truck to assist,” he said.

He confirmed that an illegal car wash operating on the same road had been shut down, and the equipment was confiscated.

“Efforts were also made to address another illegal car wash at the Shoprite Centre.

“The TMPD has committed to removing its equipment daily to ensure the car wash does not operate there anymore. Zero tolerance will be enforced.”

Jacobs added that he would soon obtain a lock for a nearby hydrant being used to illegally access water.

The most extensive part of the operation took place in the Sports Park informal settlement, where officers raided shebeens operating illegally.

“We managed to confiscate alcohol and large speakers from these places. One of the shebeen owners was arrested on site,” Jacobs said.

While several hotspots were targeted during the operation, the Sports Park area remained the main focus.

He also revealed that a food establishment operating without any health, safety, or fire certificates was shut down and issued a R5 000 fine by the health department.

“The establishment was non-compliant with previous fines, and the health department found unsanitary conditions.

“They now have 30 days to pay the fine and produce the correct documentation or face closure,” he said.

Despite a few setbacks, including the absence of Home Affairs and Social Development officials, which prevented officers from addressing undocumented foreign nationals, Jacobs expressed his commitment to seeing the job through.

“I will continue to monitor the area and make life more unpleasant for these illegal operators as legally possible,” he said.

He also confirmed that additional operations would resume on July 4, following a brief pause due to end-of-financial-year procurement delays.

The community has responded positively to the clean-up efforts.

Muhammad Naidoo said that visible action has made residents feel safer and more hopeful.

“This kind of intervention was desperately needed. The noise from the illegal shebeens and the constant foot traffic from the car wash created an environment where people felt unsafe in their own neighbourhoods,” he said.

Naidoo commended Jacobs and the TMPD for their persistence.

“It’s reassuring to see our complaints being taken seriously. I hope this momentum continues and that more long-term solutions are implemented.”

Another resident, Christina van Staden, noted that the clean-up has already made a noticeable difference in the area’s appearance and atmosphere.

“The illegal car washes were not only an eyesore but also a public health concern, with all the wastewater flowing into the streets.

“The fines for illegal businesses are a step in the right direction. We need to support those who follow the rules, and I’m glad to see the city starting to enforce that.”

Rekord reached out to the TMPD for comment, but no response was received by the time of publication.

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