The malicious damage to City-owned property case was heard in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court on September 14 and 15.
The case was brought by Ward 89 councillor, Amelia Bester, in October 2019. Over the past two years numerous postponements were granted but Bester and her witnesses persevered.
Bester’s main testimony and the photographic evidence submitted are on file, but Accused No 1 chose to make admissions ahead of Bester being cross-examined and other witnesses testifying.
“We understand that Accused No 1, business owner of an outdoor advertising agency, admitted guilt on the charges brought. The State dropped charges against his employees (Accused 2, 3 and 4), who were arrested on October 23, 2019 on the basis that they had been given unlawful instruction.”
There is a warrant of arrest out for Accused No 5, an illegal immigrant. His case had been separated and will be heard upon his apprehension.
Accused No 1 stated that he was not prepared to wait on the necessary City approvals before putting up the structures.
Bester was allowed an opportunity to speak on sanction and stated that her main concern was with the safety of the thousands of residents who use the iconic Golf Club Terrace bridge, and Hendrik Potgieter Road on a daily basis. The quality of the work had not been signed off on, and safety could not be guaranteed. The City also does not have funding to remove these structures. The Infrastructure Head of the Johannesburg Roads Agency estimated the cost of removing it at R275 000.
She said she hoped the sentence would deter others from performing similar illegal acts. The Magistrate is expected to give her decision on September 28.
