The JMPD and City Power conducted a joint oversight operation in La Rochelle and the Johannesburg CBD on July 28, targeting illegal dumping, bylaw violations and unlawful electricity connections.

JMPD officers moved through busy commercial streets, where inspectors found rubbish dumped outside shops, in alleyways and in public spaces.

Many of the businesses in the area have been linked to ongoing illegal dumping complaints from residents and fellow traders.

During the operation, several shop owners were fined and issued with warnings, instructing them to clear and clean the areas around their premises.

Two shop owners, whose identities the JMPD declined to disclose, were found to have violated the city’s bylaws. Both refused to speak to the media.

One shop owner was arrested after admitting to dumping waste generated by his business.

“This is not only rubbish from my shop. Everyone throws things in here, not just me,” the owner said.

He also claimed the rubbish did not belong to him, but to the city, accusing municipal services of failing to clean the area.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the operation was aimed at enforcing bylaws and protecting public health.

“We will not allow businesses to turn our streets into dumping sites. The law is clear. If you generate waste, you are responsible for its disposal. Fines were issued today, and arrests will follow where necessary. Clean and safe communities start with accountability,” Fihla said.

At the same time, City Power teams audited businesses for illegal electricity connections and non-payment. Several premises were found to be operating with bypassed electricity meters.

As part of the audit, officials disconnected the electricity supply to a suspected hijacked building on 6th Street in La Rochelle.

City Power said the supply would remain disconnected until investigations were completed or the lawful owner could be identified.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said illegal electricity connections place a strain on the grid and endanger communities.

“Electricity theft is not a victimless crime. It causes outages, damages infrastructure and puts lives at risk. In this case, involving a suspected hijacked building, we have disconnected the electricity supply until we can verify ownership and ensure compliance. We will continue these joint operations with the JMPD to protect paying customers,” Mangena said.

Both the JMPD and City Power confirmed that similar inspections would continue.