Piracy in plain view

HIJACK: WHAT STARTED AS A CAR WASH IS NOW A SPRAWLING BUSINESS >>→ Authorities seem powerless in face of zoning, regulatory violations.

- Anna Cox

For nearly a year, an island-shaped stand in Malvern divided between a private owner on one side and Rand Water on the other has been taken over in its entirety by an illegal business operation that now sprawls across both erven.

What began as a small car wash has expanded into gas sales, a takeaway food outlet, a workshop and an enclosed yard, all operating openly in defiance of zoning laws, safety regulations and repeated interventions by municipal officials.

Despite inspections, fines, stop notices, a court summons, community complaints and even an arrest, the City of Joburg has failed to halt the activities on the privately owned portion.

Rand Water - which identified unlawful occupation of its land months ago - likewise took no visible action until approached by Our City News.