THE RECORD has received numerous complaints from residents about illegal mechanics in Alberton North.
Wilfred Kgasago, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, sent us the following after requests for comment on this issue:
EMPD responds:
The complaint about illegal mechanics in the area of Beras Motor Spares was attended to as follows:
On December 21, 18 written notices were issued to vehicles that were queued to be fixed at Hendrick Potgieter and First Avenue.
On December 22, complaint monitored, one vehicle was found being fixed at Frances Street. The vehicle was immediately removed.
On December 23, traffic wardens were deployed to patrol around the area and no illegal activities occurred during the patrols.
On December 24, again traffic wardens patrolled around the area and no illegal activities occurred during the patrols.
On December 25, Beras Motor Spares closed for Christmas holidays, from December 25 to 28. Traffic wardens continued to patrol the area, but no illegal activities occurred during the patrols.
A request to clean up the area was forwarded to the Waste Department and cleaning operations were carried out and now the area is clean. The area is now quiet and no illegal activities are taking place due to closure of Beras Motor Spares during the holidays. Traffic wardens will continue to patrol the area until the problem is brought under control.
The complaint was monitored again on the following dates:
On January 4, Alberton Precinct officers and By-Laws Unit officers patrolled Van Riebeeck and Eeufees avenues in Alberton North. No mechanics were found repairing cars on the public road – only the recycling guys were carrying out recycling activities in the open space next to the road and were ordered to clean up the area and ordered never to come back.
On December 5, Francis Road was monitored between 9am to 10am and again between 11am and 12pm. No illegal activities were taking place during the officers’ patrol. Mechanics were just sitting under the trees.
The area will be monitored on a daily basis to ensure that no illegal activities take place.
Alderman Izak Berg’s email:
In an e-mail to government officials, alderman Izak Berg stated the following: “Good day, I need urgent policing in the area of Alberton North. People once again fix motor vehicles in the roads especially in Pieter Uys Ave close to Beras. People park on pavements and there is no law and order. I need the area patrolled on a daily basis and fines need to be issued to the people who break the law. We need to restore law and order as a matter of urgency!”
RECORD contacted Beras Motor Spares for comment, but still haven’t heard anything from them.
Also Read:
Petition to clear illegal mechanics from streets
Another illegal workshop pops up
Illegal workshop operating with impunity
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