Several nightclubs and bars in Lynnwood and Hatfield, east of Pretoria, have been temporarily closed and fined for non-compliance.
According to Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) led a multi-stakeholder by-law enforcement operation targeting nightclubs and bars in Lynnwood and Hatfield.
During the operation, the teams identified several violations, including overcrowding, inadequate fire safety measures, noise pollution and the absence of necessary permits.
Brink said the operation also included the Emergency Services Department (ESD), Local Economic Development, and health department, among others and was held to send a strong message to businesses in the metro.
“It’s either you comply or close as the TMPD will continue to monitor and improve its performance.”
Brink said the operation ensured that businesses comply with the city’s by-laws, safety regulations and national building legislation.
“These regulations are in place to protect patrons, employees and the surrounding communities from potential hazards and disturbances.”
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He stressed the importance of adherence to these regulations and indicated that TMPD and ESD, along with their partner departments, will continue to conduct regular inspections and take necessary actions against non-compliant establishments.
“These establishments will remain closed until they have rectified the issues and can demonstrate full compliance with all relevant regulations,” Brink said.
He urged all business owners to familiarise themselves with the applicable legislation, including by-laws, and to ensure that their establishments meet all safety and regulatory standards.
“The metro is committed to supporting compliant businesses and fostering a safe and vibrant nightlife for all.”
He expressed his gratitude to the metro police.
“I want to thank TMPD and the city’s political leadership for driving this successful by-law operation.”
Residents are encouraged to report by-law transgressions to the metro police via 012 358 7095/7096 or tmpdcomplaints@tshwane.gov.za.
These operations come after the metro police were accused of turning a blind eye to crime in Hatfield.
However, the TMPD has pledged to investigate the allegations.
They were accused of failing to effectively enforce by-laws, combat crime, and deal with drunk driving in the area.
Burnett Street in Hatfield is described as a long strip of road in the east of Pretoria that is quickly turning into a mini crime, public drinking, and drunk driving hotbed.
Questions have been raised about whether the metro police were there to enforce by-laws in the area or not.
TMPD spokesperson Sergeant Rebone Molapo said they had not received any complaint about crime, however, the matter would be forwarded to the relevant regions for further investigation.
Molapo said TMPD Region 3 Sector 2 and the satellite station in Hatfield were responsible for policing the area.
She said TMPD would continue to conduct drunk driving operations around the Hatfield.
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