Durban — The Durban Metro Police conducted raids at several places in the Umbilo area where illegal street mechanics were operating on Thursday.
The eThekwini Municipality stated that their law enforcement wing has been closely monitoring the proliferation of illegal mechanics operating in the city.
This comes after the Umbilo Business Association (UBA) complained of several illegal mechanics operating on the pavements causing discontent among business owners in the area.
A spokesperson for the UBA, Tash Wells said the Umbilo is facing challenges with roadside illegal panel beaters, mechanics and tyre repair businesses breaking the by-laws. Some mechanics had rented a premises but took on too many vehicles. Instead, they used the sidewalk to carry out repairs, she said, adding that some painted their customers vehicles and also conduct welding on the pavements because of space constraints.
“Such practices cause discontent among reputable business owners. This situation could result in disinvestment in this vital industrial hub. This practice is in conflict with the law-abiding businesses in the Umbilo area who are paying for water, electricity and rates. These mechanics work along the roadside and sidewalk causing major inconvenience to the public,” Wells said.
Police were still compiling a full report on the raid. Police said seven motor vehicles were towed away. Some of the business owners fled on the arrival of the police. Vehicles that were parked on the yellow line and parked on a sidewalk were also towed away.
On Thursday, Wells extended the UBA’s gratitude towards the roleplayers from eThekwini Municipality including Mayor Cyril Xaba and Durban Metro police.
“It would not have been possible without full support and collaboration from all sides. It is incredible to see how our streets are beginning to look clean again. We feel safe when we see the police take action. We are restoring and revitalising our business hub and taking steps to bring about a positive change in the business hub,” Wells said.
Wells said police arrived unannounced with three flat bed trucks and began towing vehicles.
“They also began checking the documentation of some of the employees and those living in these buildings. We believe that some of them did not have documentation,” Wells said.
In August 2024, the eThekwini Municipality clamped down on illegal roadside mechanics on Umgeni Road. Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said law enforcement is clamping down on illegal mechanics throughout the city.
“Eight suspects were arrested during the Umgeni Road operation. They were all in possession of fraudulent South African citizenship documentation. As part of maintaining law and order, Metro Police will intensify by-law enforcement operations and multidisciplinary roadblocks throughout the City including in areas such as Umbilo,” Sisilana said.
She added that the Cleansing and Solid Waste (CSW) team are also part of these operations, and they provide high-pressure wash cleaning services to remove oil and grime on the road. This is part of a long-term programme to ensure a clean environment in eThekwini.
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