Illegal roadside mechanics were caught in the act during an operation by eThekwini Metro Police in Umgeni Road last week.
Umgeni Road opposite YMCA long distance taxi rank is notorious for illegal roadside mechanics.
Eight suspects were arrested during the operation and they were all in possession of fraudulent South African citizenship documentation, said deputy mayor and chairperson of the security and emergency services committee, Zandile Myeni.
“As part of maintaining law and order, Metro Police have also intensified by-law enforcement operations and multidisciplinary roadblocks throughout the city,” she said.
“The Municipality’s law enforcement wing has been closely monitoring the proliferation of illegal mechanics operating in the city. The two-part operation also focused on road safety, undocumented illegal foreign nationals, illegal hawkers, by-law violations and fraudulent vehicle licences and permits.”
Ms Myeni said the purpose of these ongoing law enforcement operations is to curb the alarming spike of reported criminal activities, ensure vehicle roadworthiness and business compliance.
She said illegal roadside mechanics do not only leave roads with fuel spills which block the drainage system but also pose significant danger to other road users. Repairing vehicles on the side of the road is also an offence, Ms Myeni said.
“The Metro Police will continue to work with other sister units to realise the City’s 2030 vision of being Africa’s most caring and liveable city. This operation came days after the City’s men and women in blue arrested and charged over 32 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol – with the highest recorded alcohol blood level of 0.99mg,” said Ms Myeni.
The Cleansing and Solid Waste team were also part of the operation and provided high pressure wash cleaning services to remove oil and grime on the road.
The City urged residents to follow proper waste management practises. This includes disposing waste in street litter bins that are strategically placed all over the city, taking out their refuse on scheduled collection days, avoiding littering and illegal dumping.
Everybody in the city has a role to play to keep the city safe and clean, Ms Myeni said.
