​After a 7am meeting at the headquarters of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) today, 02 September 2026, commuters, workers, businesses and residents can expect to see a cleaner and fresher-looking inner city as Johannesburg ushers in spring. Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero and City Manager Dr Floyd Brink met senior JMPD management to demand urgent action to restore law, order and cleanliness in the Inner City.  

The meeting follows growing concerns about illegal trading, irregularly parked JMPD vehicles, officers appearing idle while on duty and declining cleanliness linked to inadequate Pikitup deployment.

Mayor Morero said the City was determined to change the situation and restore confidence in the Inner City. “As we welcome spring, we want residents, workers, businesses and visitors to experience a renewed inner city. This requires visible action, stronger enforcement and accountability. The current situation is not acceptable, and we are taking decisive steps to change it."

Dr Brink said the City's response would require all relevant departments and entities to work together. “A clean, safe and orderly inner city cannot be achieved through isolated interventions. We need a coordinated approach, clear targets and consistent implementation. Our focus now is on turning plans into action and ensuring that residents and businesses see tangible improvements."

JMPD's top brass has been instructed to develop a comprehensive inner city enforcement programme identifying priority hotspots, deployment requirements, operational targets and specific interventions.

The City will closely monitor implementation as it works towards a safer, cleaner and more vibrant inner city this spring.

02/09/2026

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