The COJ urged media owners and outdoor advertising agencies not to support companies operating without proper approval as it intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal outdoor advertising across the city.

A large-scale enforcement operation began at Bryanston Shopping Centre and moved along Winnie Mandela Drive toward Sandton, where about 10 illegal billboards were identified, with several taken down.

Some of the signs removed had previously been disconnected from the electricity grid by City Power two weeks ago due to illegal connections and were later found to have been unlawfully reconnected.

The operation was conducted jointly by multiple entities, including Johannesburg Property Company, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, City of Johannesburg Development Planning and the Johannesburg Roads Agency.

Johannesburg Property Company CEO Musah Makunga said the City is working to ensure full compliance with by-laws by all partners and stakeholders.

“We are out here making sure that the people we do business with follow the rules of the City of Johannesburg. Behind me is an illegal site, a billboard erected without following the by-laws. We also dealt with a digital billboard owned by an entity that does have a lease with us, but which had illegally connected its electricity,” said Makunga.

Makunga added that a growing number of illegal billboards have been identified around Sandton and urged media owners to approach the City for proper application procedures.

Executive Director for Development Planning Eric Raboshakga said many properties hosting illegal signs are neglected.

“The sign we are removing today is on a neglected property. Owners are making money from the structure, yet the site itself is abandoned, which affects surrounding properties and the City as a whole,” he said.

Raboshakga emphasised the need for lawful applications and responsible property maintenance.

“We urge property owners to follow the proper legal process when applying for signage and to keep their properties well maintained, so that business activities can generate employment while preserving a clean environment,” he said.

Raboshakga further said: “Operations will continue throughout the week to identify and remove additional illegal signs, noting that many pose safety risks due to their brightness or proximity to intersections.

“We urge media owners and outdoor advertising agencies not to support companies operating without approval.”

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The operation was conducted with officials from the Department of Home Affairs and inspectors from the Department of Employment and Labour.

Authorities carried out suspect raids, inspections of liquor outlets, and stop-and-search activities during the enforcement action.

Police said the main focus of the operation was tackling illegal firearms and drugs. The operation also targeted illegal immigrants as part of the coordinated enforcement efforts.

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During the operation, officers recovered:

• A significant quantity of prescription cough syrup containing codeine (Schedule 5 controlled substance, not available over the counter)

• Processed dagga with an estimated street value of approximately R2 million

Investigations indicate that the seized narcotics were packaged and prepared for transport to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, using cross-border buses and light delivery vehicles operated by informal couriers, commonly known as “Malayisha.”

Eight suspects were apprehended on charges relating to possession and dealing in illicit drugs, as well as the illegal occupation of a hijacked property. Further inquiries revealed that tenants were paying rent into a bank account registered under an unknown name.

MMC for Public Safety, Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, commended the officers involved, stating:

“This operation underscores our steadfast commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates exploiting hijacked properties for drug trafficking. Lawlessness in any form will not be tolerated in the City of Johannesburg. Additional raids are planned as investigations continue. The JMPD encourages members of the public with information regarding hijacked properties or drug-related activities to contact the JMPD at 011 758 9650.”

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