LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATION CONDUCTED IN LEHAE TO ADDRESS ILLEGAL LAND USE, BUSINESS COMPLIANCE, AND PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS

The City of Johannesburg undertook inspections and enforcement actions against several businesses and properties found to be operating in contravention of municipal by-laws, zoning regulations, and other applicable legislation in Lehae.

The operation involved officials from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Development Planning Law Enforcement, City Power, Johannesburg Water, Emergency Management Services (EMS), Fire Safety, and CRUM.

Among the establishments inspected was Emasesi Pre-School Academy. Officials identified unlawful encroachment onto municipal land through the erection of fencing and a carport structure, which obstructed pedestrian movement. The owner was issued a fine and instructed to remove the illegal structures by the first week of July. The owner was further directed to apply for consent use through the City’s Town Planning Department and subsequently obtain the necessary approvals from Fire Safety, Building Control, and Environmental Health. Failure to pay the fine by the stipulated date will result in court proceedings.

A spaza shop located opposite the preschool was also inspected. Although the business was registered, the operator, an Ethiopian national, failed to produce the required documentation. The individual indicated that the documents were in the possession of a family member. JMPD detained the foreign national and transported him to Lenasia SAPS, where immigration authorities will conduct verification checks regarding his legal status and documentation.

Officials further inspected a dispensary operating near the preschool. It was found to be functioning as both a surgery and a dispensary without the necessary operational compliance requirements. While such a facility may be considered for consent use upon proper application, it cannot legally operate without meeting all municipal and regulatory requirements. A Section 56 fine was issued to the operator.

Additional inspections were conducted along Monkey Street. One spaza shop, operated by a Bangladeshi national, was instructed to submit the necessary plans and applications to regularise its zoning status. Another spaza shop, operated by an Ethiopian national, was issued a Section 56 fine for failing to hold a valid food-handling certificate. The inspection followed a complaint alleging a food poisoning incident linked to the premises.

During the operation, Development Planning Law Enforcement issued six fines valued at R5,000 each, totaling R30,000, and served six compliance notices.

SUPPLIED.