Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – Mangaung Metro Municipality has defended the work of its Law Enforcement unit following criticism by the Democratic Alliance (DA), saying officers continue to conduct daily compliance operations despite limited resources and capacity constraints.
In response to questions sent following a media statement by the DA. Acting General Manager for Public Safety, SM Koekoe, the municipality said law enforcement operations are focused on street trading compliance, crime prevention and responding to community complaints affecting public order.
The Metro said officers are deployed daily to identify hotspots based on reported contraventions, risk areas, planned operations and available personnel, stressing that the department cannot be physically present in every area where by-law violations occur.
The municipality further clarified that the guarding of municipal infrastructure is an outsourced function carried out by private security companies.
Law Enforcement supports these efforts through inspections, compliance monitoring, incident response, joint operations and by referring criminal matters to the relevant law enforcement agencies.
It also emphasised that user departments are responsible for developing and reviewing municipal by-laws, while Law Enforcement’s role is to enforce approved legislation through inspections, issuing compliance notices, collecting evidence and assisting with prosecution processes where necessary.
Mangaung Metro acknowledged ongoing capacity challenges but maintained that compliance work continues across the municipality. It also called on residents, businesses and informal traders to comply with municipal by-laws, report violations and cooperate with officials during inspections.
The municipality added that effective law enforcement depends on proper permitting, clearly demarcated trading areas, public education and stronger coordination between municipal departments, private security providers, the South African Police Service and other stakeholders to ensure fair, lawful and professional enforcement.
In May, Sello More City Manager said Israel Kgamanyane head of department Public Safety started a campaign to protect resudebts of Mangaung and National Treasury is frustrating the process.
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