ALBERTON – Residents who have lived in Randhart for over 27 years have reached their wits end with the excessive noise in the area. Neighbours have reportedly been playing music so loudly from 13:00 into the early hours of the morning, that windows in nearby houses shake. One couple has resorted to sleeping in their lounge to try and escape the noise.
The spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago, said disturbance of the peace or excessive noise pollution can be tackled using EMPD bylaws or Gauteng Noise Control Regulations in terms of Environmental Health.
“Under the bylaws of the municipality, no person may disturb the public peace either in public or on private property,” he said. Disturbance of the peace includes shouting, quarreling, fighting, singing or playing any type of musical instrument.
“Radios, loud speakers or similar devices can also disturb the peace. Riotous, violent or immoral behaviour are also classified as disturbing the peace,” said Kgasago. According to the bylaws, offenders are liable to a fine not exceeding R 2 000 upon conviction.
“Should the offender default on payment, they could face imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months,” he said.
The Gauteng Noise Control Regulations state that no one is allowed to play a radio, television, drum set, musical instrument, sound amplifier, loudspeaker system or similar device producing, reproducing or amplifying sound so as to cause a noise nuisance. “The time the unacceptable noise is made is immaterial,” Kgasago added.
If residents wish to report a noise disturbance they may contact the Ekurhuleni emergency services call centre on 011 458 0911.
