This operation under the wings of Operation Luma continued on Friday, February 28 when several streets in the central business district (CBD) again were blocked off.
The municipal law enforcement unit together with different units of the SAPS, worked hand in hand on this operation.
Operation Luma is targeting illegal or irregular activities.
Thus far 92 premises were visited in the CBD and notices were issued where irregularities were identified.
More than 100 illegal land use activities were already issued final letters and if not resolved, legal action will follow.
In the Ogies area a complete audit of the business area took place and 176 water meters were not in place, several illegal structures and buildings were found and four illegal electricity connections cut.
In Ga-Nala nine illegal connections were found with huge outstanding debt – several were disconnected.
In eMalahleni services to 50 businesses were disconnected after illegal tampering was found. The same suit followed 200 houses.
Looking at distribution losses, the harsh punishment thereof is understandable. Between R23 million and R25 million do not make their way to the city’s coffers, due to water and electricity distribution losses.
So far 17 illegal boarding houses were closed for business and 20 houses suspected for drug related activities were visited.
The Middelburg dog unit recovered dagga at one of the houses.
A shop owner stood helplessly and watched as the SAPS removed counterfeit clothing from his shop.
Counterfeit goods have both economic and social implications. Proprietors of the genuine goods suffer huge economic losses, while the consumer is on the receiving end of sub-standard quality of the goods.
“The improved law enforcement unit will go a long way in changing the city from its downward spiral but we need more than that. We need the community to also support these actions, look at self regulation and to take hands in changing the situation around. Within the municipality we are busy addressing corruption and in the recent weeks nine staff members already have been suspended. This process will continue,” said Mr Theo van Vuuren, the city’s administrator.
If you have any information regarding the illegal tampering of water meters or electric connections or any other suspicious acts, contact Mr Ben Dorfling, the chief financial officer: 013 690 6241.
See the message from Chief Financial Officer Ben Dorfling
Watch the footage as counterfeit goods are being removed from a clothing store
