Pretoria - A heavy Tshwane Metro Police contingent and Home Affairs officials cracked down on bogus traditional healers, who are behind illegal adverts that have sprung out in many parts of the city centre.
The operation in the north of the city centre, carried out over the weekend, was led by Metro Police Deputy Chief Ndumiso Jaca and Director Moloko Racheku.
The operation followed an instruction by Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa for the city to be rid of illegal adverts.
"We have taken a decision that these practices must be brought to an end. This is the capital city. We must therefore ensure that we restore the dignity of the city. We cannot allow the city to be seen as a haven for lawlessness. Everyone must comply with our by-laws," said Jaca.
In recent months, adverts luring people with the promise of assisting to enlarge male private parts have become an eyesore for most residents. These ads are in complete violation of the city's Outdoor Advertisement by-law.
"We are particularly concerned with the messages that these adverts send to our people, especially young children. You find that in certain instances, these guys distribute even to young children," said Jaca.
A bogus Ugandan traditional healer and three Zimbabwean nationals, who were caught distributing pamphlets and posters in the north of the city centre, were arrested.
The Ugandan national will be charged with suspected drug dealing. The three Zimbabweans were handed over to the Home Affairs officials for status verification.
In addition to being arrested, the Ugandan, who was found at a shop in the area, was fined for violating fire safety regulations, as used and unused charcoal was found in the shop.
The city's health officials will investigate the Uganda's claims of being a traditional healer.
It is expected that the crackdown will continue.
"We will intensify our operations until the city is completely clean," Jaca added.
