Latest news with #MgciniTshwaku
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- The Citizen
Drastic measures to restore law and order in Midrand
According to Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, the MMC for Public Safety, recent actions taken in Midrand, including the busting of a drug den, the closure of non-compliant salons, and the impounding of over 33 unroadworthy vehicles, marks the beginning of a more extensive crackdown on illegal activities in the area. 'We know that most of the shops [in Midrand] are not complying with the by-laws. Some [police] collect [bribes] from those shops. So, we got a tipoff on that, even with the drugs as well. So, we got crystal meth, illegal alcohol, and cigarettes, and we also got [illegal] exchange of money. 'There is more. This is just the tip of the iceberg. We don't really want to stop people's business. What we say to people [is that] they must comply with the by-laws. Some of the people do not even understand what a by-law is.' Read more: Public Safety MMC begins crusade to tackle Midrands drug problem This initiative follows the City of Johannesburg's Department of Public Safety hosting the #NomakanjaniManjeNamhlanje crime prevention and by-law enforcement operation in Midrand on July 8. This operation, led by Tshwaku, included search and seizure raids, the reclamation of hijacked properties, inspections for compliance in spaza shops, and actions against illegal dumping. The operation began at the Midrand Fire Station, where Tshwaku addressed officers about their mission, emphasising the critical importance of discipline, visibility, and a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness. Tshwaku commended the multidisciplinary teams for their unwavering commitment to service delivery and community protection. Following the briefing, he took decisive action in Midrand, leading a rigorous enforcement effort against shops and salons that were operating illegally. Each establishment was inspected thoroughly to ensure compliance with municipal by-laws, health standards, and safety regulations. Tshwaku confronted illegal operators, demanding proof of compliance, health certifications, and valid licenses. Those unable to meet the legal requirements faced immediate shutdowns. Tshwaku also orchestrated the bust of a drug den in Midrand, relying on intelligence and strategic diversion tactics, which resulted in the seizure of illegal substances and the detention of suspects. Alongside this, he impounded over 33 unroadworthy vehicles, which have been secured at the fire station. Drivers were called to account for their vehicles and will face the necessary legal and administrative consequences. 'All those who are involved in stalling cases, who are receiving bribes, must be fired or must be arrested,' said Tshwaku. 'The cases are not moving at all. So, we need to investigate when someone was arrested, who the investigator was, and where the docket is. Where on earth have you heard that a docket just went missing? This is why you do not digitalise, everything is manual.' As the #NomakanjaniManjeNamhlanje operation intensifies in Midrand, another drug dealer, disguised as a street vendor, was busted on July 9, found in possession of dagga and an unlawful firearm. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- The Citizen
Public Safety MMC leads by-law enforcement operation in Midrand
The Public Safety MMC, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, led a land invasion and by-law enforcement clean-up operation in Midrand on June 20. He visited food trailer owners on Lever Road and illegal recyclers on R101 Old Pretoria Road in Midrand, where some cooking items, such as pots and gas-stoves, were confiscated. Tshwaku was accompanied by various departments, including the Johannesburg Metro Police Department's by-law enforcement unit, land invasion unit, citizen relationship and urban management (CRUM), and immigration unit. Read more: JMPD removes street dancers on Allandale and Pretorius roads Noordwyk Residents Association chairperson Bonginkosi Nhlapo, who was also part of the operation, praised Tshwaku's efforts. 'Just wish there were more arrests of illegal immigrants, and the shutdown of all the street vendors, moving trucks, and food trailers. Maybe, if he was mayor under the current coalition, Johannesburg would have a fighting chance to be cleaned up.' Nhlapo said more raids of this nature would help improve Midrand, and help it to go back to the suburb it used to be. JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed being part of the raid. 'Ours was to accompany the MMC and ensure that our various units enforce by-laws directly related to them.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Star
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Johannesburg officials raid dilapidated buildings in crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals and safety violations
Acting Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Kenny Kunene, accompanied by Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, spearheaded raids on numerous dilapidated buildings in the city's Central Business District (CBD). In efforts to restore law and order in Johannesburg's Central Business District (CBD), Acting Executive Mayor Kenny Kunene and Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku led a series of raids on dilapidated buildings on Tuesday. The operation, which predominantly focused on the targeting of undocumented foreign nationals, aimed to address safety concerns stemming from the unlawful occupation of properties and illegal connections. It is explained that the operation, spearheaded by the Department of Public Safety, also sought to enhance resident safety and was prompted by reports of unsafe living conditions. Law enforcement officials conducted thorough searches of properties suspected of violating municipal bylaws. Their efforts included targeting the notorious building located at 242 Marshall Street, where it was discovered that unsafe shacks were erected within the premises. It is revealed that the structure, which failed to comply with the Fire Brigade Act, lacked essential safety features such as escape routes, fire extinguishers, and appropriate signage, posing a significant fire hazard to its occupants. 'This demonstrates the city's commitment to addressing public safety concerns and ensuring resident well-being,' remarked Tshwaku. He further noted that the operation reflects a zero-tolerance stance towards overcrowding and illegal occupancy within the city. The law enforcement team faced challenging conditions as they shut down illegal electricity and water connections throughout the area. In a significant show of force, City Power officials cut the electricity supply to the property, marking an end to tampered infrastructure that has long plagued the community. Throughout the course of the operation, it is further revealed that more than 40 undocumented foreigners were apprehended and are currently undergoing processing by Home Affairs. Among the detainees, a minor suffering injuries was taken by the Emergency Medical Services for urgent medical attention, underscoring the precarious living conditions many had endured. Taking to social media, Tshwaku described the operation at 242 Marshalltown as 'under siege', stating, 'Inside, by-law officers are dismantling unsafe living spaces, removing unlawful structures, and confronting health and safety violations head-on. This is a zero-tolerance operation targeting everything from overcrowding to illegal occupancy. 242 is no longer a lawless zone. The darkness has fallen, and with it, the grip of non-compliance.' [email protected] Saurday Star
IOL News
02-07-2025
- IOL News
Johannesburg officials raid dilapidated buildings in crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals and safety violations
Acting Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Kenny Kunene, accompanied by Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, spearheaded raids on numerous dilapidated buildings in the city's Central Business District (CBD). Acting Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Kenny Kunene, accompanied by Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, spearheaded raids on numerous dilapidated buildings in the city's Central Business District (CBD). In efforts to restore law and order in Johannesburg's Central Business District (CBD), Acting Executive Mayor Kenny Kunene and Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku led a series of raids on dilapidated buildings on Tuesday. The operation, which predominantly focused on the targeting of undocumented foreign nationals, aimed to address safety concerns stemming from the unlawful occupation of properties and illegal connections. It is explained that the operation, spearheaded by the Department of Public Safety, also sought to enhance resident safety and was prompted by reports of unsafe living conditions. Law enforcement officials conducted thorough searches of properties suspected of violating municipal bylaws. Their efforts included targeting the notorious building located at 242 Marshall Street, where it was discovered that unsafe shacks were erected within the premises. It is revealed that the structure, which failed to comply with the Fire Brigade Act, lacked essential safety features such as escape routes, fire extinguishers, and appropriate signage, posing a significant fire hazard to its occupants. 'This demonstrates the city's commitment to addressing public safety concerns and ensuring resident well-being,' remarked Tshwaku. He further noted that the operation reflects a zero-tolerance stance towards overcrowding and illegal occupancy within the city. The law enforcement team faced challenging conditions as they shut down illegal electricity and water connections throughout the area. In a significant show of force, City Power officials cut the electricity supply to the property, marking an end to tampered infrastructure that has long plagued the community. Throughout the course of the operation, it is further revealed that more than 40 undocumented foreigners were apprehended and are currently undergoing processing by Home Affairs. Among the detainees, a minor suffering injuries was taken by the Emergency Medical Services for urgent medical attention, underscoring the precarious living conditions many had endured. Taking to social media, Tshwaku described the operation at 242 Marshalltown as 'under siege', stating, 'Inside, by-law officers are dismantling unsafe living spaces, removing unlawful structures, and confronting health and safety violations head-on. This is a zero-tolerance operation targeting everything from overcrowding to illegal occupancy. 242 is no longer a lawless zone. The darkness has fallen, and with it, the grip of non-compliance.' [email protected] Saurday Star
The Herald
21-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
'Floyd was a big problem in the EFF': Mgcini Tshwaku responds to 'cult' claims
EFF member Mgcini Tshwaku has dismissed claims made by former EFF deputy leader Floyd Shivambu that the party is a cult. Shivambu made the remarks during a media briefing on Thursday, saying: 'There are those who said don't rejoin the EFF because it's a cult, and I agree with them.' Shivambu left the EFF last year to join Jacob Zuma's MK Party. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Tshwaku defended the EFF. 'I'm not deployed by a cult, I'm in a perfect organisation. I know the EFF is not a cult, it's a democratic organisation and all you have to do in the party is to work and be accountable.' He criticised Shivambu's leadership while he was still in the EFF, saying he was ineffective. 'Floyd was a big problem in the EFF. Many of us are injured because of him.' He said Shivambu would often rely on others to do the groundwork, only to appear and request reports. 'I know Floyd was a lazy person. He says he has criss-crossed the country everywhere, but we used to do the work for him and report to him. We were the ones doing door-to-door work, building structures around the country, and he would just come in, want reports and then disappear. When you told him your issues, such as not having petrol or a place to sleep, he would laugh at you.' Shivambu's exit from the EFF was reportedly due to disagreements with the leadership, particularly regarding coalition talks. Tshwaku labelled Shivambu a 'coward' for not raising his concerns in the party. 'He's a coward. He could've raised whatever he wanted to raise in the EFF.' Shivambu has been making headlines recently after being fired as MK Party secretary-general. While he remains in the party, he announced plans to form a new political party, which he said will be shaped by public consultation. TimesLIVE
