Johannesburg municipal departments unite to tackle Sandown illegal occupation
After months of frustration over illegal occupation and pollution in Sandown’s green belt, City of Johannesburg and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department reveal a multi-agency strategy to restore safety, order, and environmental protection.
In response to growing concerns from Sandown Ext 24 residents about illegal occupation, pollution, and safety hazards in the suburb’s protected green belt, the City of Johannesburg has confirmed that several municipal departments are working together to tackle the issue.
Nthatisi Modingoane, spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg, said Pikitup conducted a site visit to assess the situation, but clarified their mandate does not cover cleaning streams.
Read more: Illegal night-time dumping threatens Bryanston’s Braamfontein Spruit greenbelt
“Pikitup has dealt with the issue raised by conducting a site visit to the area. The entity confirmed that its mandate does not extend to cleaning streams. However, the entity will join efforts with other responsible entities and departments, such as Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Urban Development and Johannesburg Property Company, when action is undertaken to remove the illegal occupiers of the site.”
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla addressed residents’ concerns, highlighting that enforcement operations have been underway for the past two months in partnership with city departments.
Fihla confirmed that three specific operations have taken place in the green belt area, revealing that many occupants are illegal foreign nationals, a complex challenge requiring co-ordinated efforts with the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“We understand the significant impact these issues are having on the quality of life, safety, and environment for the law-abiding residents and businesses in the area.”
Also read: Progress on reinstatement works at Pretoria Avenue and Katherine Street, Sandown
He elaborated on the multi-disciplinary strategy the JMPD is deploying:
• Enforcement and deterrence: Regular patrols target illegal dumping, fires, and by-law violations.
• Infrastructure partnership: Collaborating with Environmental Health and local businesses to erect fencing along the green belt to prevent further unlawful occupation and environmental harm.
• Safety prioritisation: Addressing noise disturbances, safety threats, and malfunctioning boundary fences to protect residents and businesses.
• Collaborative action: Working with Community Relations and Urban Management (CRUM), Environmental Health, Pikitup, Land-Use, and City Parks to implement a holistic clean-up and enforcement plan.
He confirmed immediate steps, including sustained patrolling, fence construction, inter-governmental engagement to address illegal foreign nationals, and continued integrated operations aimed at restoring law and order.
“We appreciate the residents reporting these issues and trust that this response informs them of the enforcement role the JMPD is currently playing in this matter. We are committed to working with the community to secure this area.”
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