An anti-crime campaign led by the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) in Marabastad resulted in the confiscation of 110 wheelie waste bins acquired illegally by users.
Supported by different departments, the campaign saw the issuing of Section 56 notices amounting to a combined total of R43 750 to business operators and individuals found in breach of municipal by-laws operations in Marabastad and Rietgat.
TMPD spokesperson, senior superintendent, Isaac Mahamba, said a roadblock was also conducted, with numerous AARTO 1 infringement notices amounting to R30 200 in fines issued to drivers found breaking road traffic laws.
The TMPD task team also impounded 17 taxis in Pretoria Central during a public transport operation for offences related to being unroadworthy.
Mahamba said: “In addition, a high-density tactical approach operation led by the chief of police and the TMPD tactical unit was conducted in Waterkloof to address the issue of hijacked buildings.
“During the operation, 19 illegal foreign nationals were arrested in one of the hijacked buildings for being in the country without the necessary documentation.”
MMC for Community Safety Grandi Theunissen said the City investigated a hijacked residential property in the Waterkloof Ridge area after receiving numerous complaints about the premises regarding illegal activities, the stench and a rat infestation.
Municipal officials and the TMPD found more than 20 undocumented foreigners who rented shacks and rooms at the house for R1 000 per month.
Theunissen said: “The illegal occupation of buildings poses significant risks to both occupants and the surrounding community, including fire hazards and public health concerns.
“The premises were cluttered with various materials – making it uninhabitable for humans. City officials also confirmed an outstanding debt of R1.3 million at the premises.”
Mahamba said the operations were successful and they were conducted to enhance safety and security in Tshwane.
In one of the operations, a 40-year-old Nigerian man was arrested for possession of and dealing in drugs after being found with a significant amount of crystal meth and cocaine in Atteridgeville.
Mahamba said: “The suspect had 75g of crystal meth hidden in his vehicle. Further investigation by TMPD officers led to the suspect’s places of residence in Johannesburg.
In one of the residences, additional drugs totalling 175g of crystal meth and 212g of cocaine were discovered. The combined estimated street value of the drugs found is R145 000.”
Pretoria News