In an effort to restore law and order in the Melville area, the City of Johannesburg has established a working collaboration between relevant enforcement departments and officials in order to ensure that the level of by-law infringements, noise pollution and public disorder be dealt with via continuous and sustainable integrated operations.
These operations answer the calls of irate residents and law abiding businesses in the area, who have become overwhelmed by the high levels of noise pollutions, by-law infringements including illegal parking, improper public conduct and overcrowding at places of entertainment, especially during weekend nights.
The latest integrated operation was carried out by the Department of Public Safety, Department of Health and Social Development, Department of Development Planning, and Regional CRUM on the 2nd of August 2019. Approximately 40 City officials from the various departments joined the critical operation.
Eight establishments were inspected and seven were found to be without any entertainment licenses and therefore not permitted to sound music for such purposes within their premises. Upon further testing with a calibrated decibel metre on the level of noise, seven of these establishment were found to be over the legally permissible limit.
Two of the establishments also did not have entertainment licenses and business licences. Another two were not in possession of amusement licences.
I am concerned that a high number of establishments or places of entertainment in the Melville area are operating without proper licenses, therefore operating illegally. The high level of pubic disorder that has been generated from the patrons must be dealt with.
Despite previous community engagements with business owners, aiming to find amicable solutions that would mutually benefit the local living environment and economic development, it does not seem that there has been any success.
The City will not allow the breakdown of law and order that ultimately leads to the detriment of legitimate businesses creating economic opportunities and much needed jobs.
The City is in the process of dealing with these unlicensed establishments and 6 citations were issued to the offenders.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has committed to intensify visible policing to ensure community members and visitors to the area are safe and respect the rights of one another. Any unruly patrons to the establishments will be dealt with strictly.
For media queries:
Luyanda Longwe
Stakeholder Manager: MMC for Public Safety
luyandalo@joburg.org.za
061 496 0536
