Metro shuts down illegal scrap metal dealer in Windmill Park
As part of the metro's initiative to tackle illegal scrapyard owners, heaps of scrap metal were uncovered in Windmill Park on Tuesday, April 14.
This is according to metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
“Officials from the metro accompanied the Sheriff of the Court and the SAPS to deliver a court order issued by the South Gauteng High Court to a residence from which a scrapyard is operated,” said Gadebe.
“The city had previously served the owner with 30 days’ notice to cease all operations in contravention with the municipality’s town planning scheme and by-laws.
“The thriving scrapyard business – which deals in anything, from metal car parts and rusted building materials to metallic home appliances from scrap collectors – has been a thorny issue in the side of the community of Windmill Park, as it is viewed as a criminals’ den.
“Youngsters from the community steal goods from their neighbours and sell them to the scrapyard, so as to buy cheap drugs, such as Nyaope.
“As the city we view the contravention of municipal by-laws as a serious offence; we, therefore, urge all residents and business owners to abide by these laws or they will face the full might of the law.”
The campaign to clamp down on municipal by-law transgressors continues and next on the list to be served are residential premises that have been illegally refurbished as supermarkets, in Delville, Germiston.
“According to the Ekurhuleni town planning scheme regulations, all land owners wishing to carry out extensions to their premises must have approval from the municipal building inspectors,” said Gadebe.
“They are also advised to approach their nearby Customer Care Area offices to obtain information on the zoning processes.
“Not abiding by municipal building by-laws places owners at risk, which could result in loss of life, loss of property and jail time.” – @NalediBoksburg
