Johannesburg bans street parties for festive season

By Charmaine Ndlela

The City of Johannesburg has suspended street parties across the metro for the festive season, with the MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, warning that only permitted events will be allowed to proceed.

The move follows a deadly incident at an unauthorised street party in Diepkloof, Soweto, where a 19-year-old was shot dead and three others were seriously assaulted during a violent altercation.

Tshwaku said the event had not been approved by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and was held without official police visibility or patrols.

He warned that all non-compliant events will be shut down and organisers held fully accountable.

“No event can take place without approval from the JMPD and the City of Johannesburg. All events, regardless of size or type, must comply with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (SASREA) No. 2 of 2010 and city by-laws,” he said.

Tshwaku