Johannesburg metro police officers raided approximately 20 churches in Yeoville following numerous complaints of extremely loud music, overcrowding of pavements and obstruction to the roads.
The operation took place on September 29.
The raid was a joint operation by JMPD and SAPS.
Approximately R500 000’s worth of equipment was confiscated, which included chairs, sound equipment, tables, speakers and stands.
“A pound fee of R3 130 will have to be paid per church to get the items back. Numerous traffic fines were also issued and fines of R1 000 to R1 500 given for contravening of emergency safety by-laws. At least 10 of these churches were found without any documents as required to operate as a church. They were operating churches in buildings not zoned for the purpose of a church,” said JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minnaar.
