Gauteng cleans up inner cities

Friday, March 9, 2018

Gauteng Premier David Makhura has followed through on the commitment he made during the State of the Province Address last week to shut down illegal businesses in the inner cities and townships. 

Premier Makhura, together with the MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane and the provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Deliwe de Lange on Thursday, conducted operation O Kae Molao (Setswana meaning “where is the law”) in the Johannesburg CBD. 

During the raid, counterfeit goods were confiscated by the police, while other illegal shopkeepers abandoned their stalls. 

Premier Makhura said a major problem facing the inner city is the mushrooming of unregulated businesses owned by foreign nationals. 

“Counterfeit goods are manufactured and labelled to mislead customers. This is a matter we must address boldly and decisively by enforcing by-laws and trading regulations. 

“Counterfeit goods undermine the local economy. Trading regulations must be adhered to in order to strengthen our economy,” said Premier Makhura. 

During the raid, Premier Makhura said, the South African Police Service had made a number of arrests related to drugs and stolen goods. 

The provincial government, working with national government and municipalities, has added an additional 1 266 police personnel and 859 high performance vehicles to improve police response and visibility in crime-prone areas. – SAnews.gov.za