• The City of Tshwane demolished 65 illegal structures in Mabopane, many used as drug dens and informal stalls, under its Tshwane Re A Spana campaign.

• MMC Aaron Maluleka said affected traders will get permanent stalls, while police and councillors will work together to stop crime.

The City of Tshwane has demolished 65 illegal structures along the M17 Road in Mabopane to clean up the area and tackle crime.

Many of the structures were being used as drug dens, while others operated as small informal businesses such as hair salons and food stalls.

The clean-up was led by MMC for human settlements Aaron Maluleka and executive mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, with help from Tshwane Metro Police.

During the operation, officers arrested two people for drug possession and 15 undocumented immigrants.

Maluleka said the City is working with small business owners affected by the demolitions to help them find safer and legal trading spaces.

“This will help us register their businesses, understand their needs and support their growth,” said Maluleka.

He said Mabopane has great economic potential if crime levels can be brought down.

“To rebuild confidence and attract investment, we must first make Mabopane safe. We are here to support small businesses and fight crime,” he said.

The illegal structures, many built in the early 1990s, had become a serious safety concern for residents and traders.

Maluleka said business owners were given seven days to comply with city by-laws and a further 10-day extension before demolitions began.

He added that permanent stalls will be provided in the nearby business district and that by-law enforcement will continue.

Pictured above: City workers clear illegal structures along M17 Road in Mabopane.

Image source: Supplied