Shop owners watched as their stores were demolished by City of Johannesburg officials during a multi-departmental operation on Small Street in the inner city.
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The operation involved several city entities, including the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), City Power, and officials from Economic Development and Community Development.
Several structures were targeted, some of which were attached to the iconic Central Methodist Church, which officials said had been illegally built.
MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services, Sithembiso Zungu, said the structures were unlawfully constructed, with some connecting illegally to the city’s electricity supply.
Some owners attempted to negotiate with the city, arguing they had not received prior notice. Meanwhile, parts of the steel structures used for constructing stands to sell goods were discovered hidden inside the seemingly abandoned Methodist church.
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“Yesterday the pastor came and told us the church belongs to them; a lot is happening here. But we want to try to verify if they are truly paying us. Some of the shops here by the church we are going to demolish because they are not part of the structure.”
In an operation led by Zungu and City Mayor Dada Morero, Zungu noted that many of the shops employ undocumented immigrants. “These shops are owned by foreign nationals, and they still employ illegal foreign nationals, so we need immigration to be part of this campaign.”
Most shops on Small Street remained closed for most of the day as the city continues its cleanup operation.
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Feature Image: Gettys
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