Johannesburg MMC Dada Morero says the city is tightening its grip on illegal operations after officials shut down an unlawful brothel and immediately closed a non-compliant liquor business yesterday.
Morero revealed that during the raids, teams confiscated 84 000 packets of free Department of Health condoms that were being illegally sold at both locations, cited as a serious breach of public health regulations.
“We are focusing on addressing fundamental issues by dismantling the infrastructure supporting these crimes, reinforcing our commitment to law enforcement and public safety,” he said.
As part of the city’s High-Impact Service Delivery Operation, JMPD officers also conducted bylaw enforcement along South Street in the Boulders Precinct. Goods were seized from illegal traders as officials moved to restore order and ensure compliance with safety, health, and trading standards.
The Joburg crackdown follows a separate enforcement operation in Tshwane, where Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moyo oversaw the shutdown of Ipi Ntombi, an establishment in the Pretoria CBD alleged to be operating unlawfully as both a bar and a brothel.
Moya shared images and videos from the raid on social media, revealing several disturbing findings. She claimed cash was discovered hidden under beds and confirmed the venue was operating without proper compliance.
“We have a serious lawlessness issue in this country,” Moya said.
She added that the premises contained 41 rooms, each with keys, and that authorities confiscated all items found during the raid.
“These are Chinese nationals who profit from the Ipi Ntombi brothel. They charge young women R1 000 per week to rent a room and take a portion of the income earned by the sex workers we found occupying the premises.”
Moya further described the rooms as “workstations” and stressed that enforcement action was essential to restoring order in the inner city.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star