The City of Johannesburg has been hard to work to restore the law and order in Melville.
On 2 August, an integrated operation was carried out by the Department of Public Safety, Department of Health and Social Development, Department of Development Planning, and Regional Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM). Approximately 40 City officials from the various departments joined the critical operation as part of the City’s commitment to deal with the issues facing the Melville community, such as by-law infringements, via continuous and sustainable integrated operations.
MMC for Public Safety Michael Sun shared his worries over infringements taking place in Melville. “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.”
On the day, 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. Two of the establishments also did not have entertainment and business licences, while another two were not in possession of amusement licences.
The City has tried to find amicable solutions that would mutually benefit the local living environment and economic development but it does not seem that there has been any success. Regardless of this, Sun stated that the City will not allow Melville to become a lawless community. “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 six citations were issued to the offenders.”
Sun concluded by saying that the Johannesburg Metro Police Department will 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.
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