JMPD on holiday alert

People contravening the City’s by-laws, from setting off fireworks outside approved times, to erecting tents on public roads, will be arrested and fined.

JOBURGERS have been warned to adhere to the City’s by-laws over the festive season as Johannesburg Metro Police officers will be out in full force ensuring no one breaks the law.

Johannesburg Metro Police Department officers are on alert this festive seasonJohannesburg Metro Police Department officers are on alert this festive seasonThe Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s (JMPD) functions include traffic policing, policing of municipal by-laws and regulations and the prevention of crime.

During the festive season JMPD officers have been instructed to strictly monitor by-law enforcement. Tents erected on public roads for street parties have been banned and those who fail to comply will be fined.

According to JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minnaar, “The tents will be confiscated and people will be fined R1 000 as it is a contravention of the road by-laws.” In order to get their tents back, he says they “will pay a further fine of R2 000. We have already confiscated tents in Alexandra and Ivory Park.”

Minnaar also says people going to municipal parks will not be allowed to take liquor in. "We have started patrolling parks. It is a contravention of the park by-laws to take liquor onto the premises."

People who misbehave in these places will be arrested, Minnaar says. Strict restrictions have also been put in place with regard to fireworks during this time. Fireworks must always be lit under adult supervision.

Individuals are only allowed to light fireworks on Christmas Eve between 7pm and 10pm, Christmas Day from 7pm to 10pm, New Year’s Eve between 11pm and 1am, and on New Year’s Day from 7pm to 10pm.

Failure to comply with these will result in fines of R1 000 to R1 500 being handed out.