The DA is in possession of photographic evidence of a vehicle with the government’s provincial registration that underwent repairs at an alleged illegal panel beating shop.
This panel beating shop is in Cardham Drive, Brookdale in Phoenix.
We call on the eThekwini Municipality to urgently identify the provincial department responsible for the vehicle that was sent in for repairs to an alleged illegal service provider.
We are further calling on the municipality to request law enforcement officers from the municipality to implement the Nuisance and Public Behaviour bylaw for any nuisance on municipal property against the illegal panel beating shop. The municipality must issue a notice to the owner to cease business with immediate effect for operating in a residential area.
The incident illustrates that the provincial government has a blatant disregard for municipal bylaws. What is even more shocking is that these panel beaters are allegedly operating brazenly on council-owned land, which they have also illegally occupied.
Furthermore, spray painting, that was also carried out on this vehicle in a residential area, is a serious health hazard. The particular bylaw prohibits carrying out of spray painting without a permit.
Through our provincial structures, the DA will also submit questions in the legislature to ascertain whether this vehicle was indeed being officially repaired at this business and if this business is a contracted service provider to the relevant department.
The DA will make sure that this issue of illegal panel beating of provincial vehicles is not just swept under the carpet as the responsible MEC must be held accountable and officials must face consequences.