Illegal building use uncovered in city
Some properties in the city do not possess valid water and electricity connection documentation.
POLOKWANE – Some properties in the city do not possess valid water and electricity connection documentation.
This was revealed during a recent community policing forum (CPF) meeting at the Polokwane police station during a discussion about Operation Maak Skoon, a joint clean-up operation involving the municipality, CPF and law enforcement agencies.
Searches conducted in conjunction with labour inspectors, the police tactical response unit and home affairs personnel covered several streets in downtown Polokwane during the operation.
This led to the discovery of several premises where water and electricity were being used illegally.
During the operation around 100 people were arrested, including one person who allegedly tried to bribe an official to avoid being arrested for illegal use of property.
The CPF meeting revealed that some properties were being used as shops and cheap boarding houses, which were extremely overpopulated.
In some instances, the buildings were so overpopulated that some people were sleeping in the roof’s eaves.
A similar operation was being planned for the last weekend of March and the operations would continue in the months to come.
During the meeting the police and municipality officials assured residents that they were dedicated to ensuring that crime did not pay and that this message was sent to criminals.
“We believe that we are on the right track in terms of enforcing zero tolerance for all types of crime in the city,” Polokwane police spokesperson, Capt Ntobeng Phala said.
