On 22 October 2019 the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) initiated an integrated By-law Management and Crime Prevention Operation in the Alexandra area together with the South African Police Services (SAPS), supported by the local Community Police Forum and the Alexandra Patrollers group.
The focus of the integrated operation was to enforce and curb the high level of non-compliance of the City’s By-laws and to eradicate criminal activities in Alexandra.
A total of 110 JMPD officers and Traffic Wardens, 16 Alexandra SAPS officers supported by 19 Alexandra Patrollers and 2 CPF member were part of the operation next to Pan Africa Mall.
Lack of By-law compliance has been one of the highlight of public outcry in Alexandra and the community members have been pleading with JMPD to intensify By-law enforcement in the area.
However, two hours into the operation, a group of about 50 non-complaint traders began to disrupt the operation by shouting and heckling which escalated to an attack on JMPD officers. They continued to illegally take back the impounded goods.
Sadly, one of the female JMPD traffic wardens was assaulted by a group of male traders in the process. She suffered bruises and was taken to hospital for treatment. The incident was captured on video and later went viral on social media.
Despite this, JMPD continued with its operation and we can confirm that the following successes were mad:
• 3 suspects were arrested for assaulting a JMPD officer;
• 6 where arrested for not have correct legal documents to be in the country;
• 1 500 illegal electrical connections removed; and,
• 3 trucks and 7 bakkie loads of goods impounded.
We will not tolerate this kind of thuggery against metro police officers on the job. We will also not be intimidated by anyone that believes violence will deter us from restoring law and order in the City of Johannesburg.
I have instructed JMPD to continue with the Integrated By-law Enforcement and Crime Prevention Operation in Alexandra as we will not allow the innocent residents of Alexandra to suffer under conditions of lawlessness.
JMPD plans to carry out similar integrated operations across the City and asks for the residents’ support and co-operation while they are fulfilling their duties.
For media queries:
Luyanda Longwe
Stakeholder Manager: MMC for Public Safety
luyandalo@joburg.org.za
061 496 0536
