Concerned resident writes by email:

Living in a residential area means we are all governed by Ekurhuleni by-laws, and noise disturbances should not be tolerated.

Unfortunately, some neighbours simply don’t care. They play loud music day and night, and when you raise the issue, they take offence, despite the fact that they are the ones not complying with the by-laws.

For clarity – “Ekurhuleni noise by-laws prohibit any disturbing noise, such as loud music, shouting, barking dogs, or machinery, that disrupts the peace of others.

“This applies at any time of day. There is no “daytime allowance” for excessive noise if it causes a nuisance.

“A noise nuisance is defined as any sound that negatively affects the comfort or peace of reasonable people.

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“These by-laws are enforced by EMPD, and offenders can face fines of up to R2 000 or even up to six months imprisonment, with stricter penalties for repeated violations.”

If you are affected by noise, you can report it to the EMPD. From personal experience, the Brakpan EMPD do respond and assist.

However, in ongoing cases, it may also be necessary to follow up with a formal complaint to the Ekurhuleni Environmental Noise Pollution Department.

Editor’s note: According to the CoE, to report a noise complaint, contact the Call Centre on 0860 543 000, email call.centre@ekurhuleni.gov.za, send a WhatsApp to 060 667 7177, or use the My CoE App.

Alternatively, call the EMPD Control Room on 011 999 2093 (or 011 458 0911 for emergencies) or regional operations room on 011 999 8489 (Eastern).

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