DA demands answers over govt vehicle at illegal panel beating shop

The DA has called for eThekwini Municipality to act urgently in identifying the state vehicle that underwent repairs in an alleged illegal panel beating shop in Brookdale in Phoenix, Durban.

In a statement, the DA which is in possession of photographic evidence of the vehicle with a provincial number plate, demands answers from the responsible department that sent the vehicle in for repairs at the alleged illegal service provider.

“We call on the eThekwini Municipality to urgently identify the provincial department responsible for the vehicle that was sent in for repairs to an alleged illegal service provider.
We are further calling on the municipality to request law enforcement officers from the municipality to implement the Nuisance and Public Behaviour bylaw for any nuisance on municipal property against the illegal panel beating shop. The municipality must issue a notice to the owner to cease business with immediate effect for operating in a residential area,” the statement read.

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WHY THE PANEL BEATING SHOP IS DEEMED ILLEGAL

The DA went on to say that the incident illustrates that the provincial government has a blatant disregard for municipal bylaws.
“What is even more shocking is that these panel beaters are allegedly operating brazenly on council-owned land, which they have also illegally occupied.

Furthermore, spray painting, that was also carried out on this vehicle in a residential area, is a serious health hazard. The particular bylaw prohibits carrying out of spray painting without a permit,” the statement further read.

“Through our provincial structures, the DA will also submit questions in the legislature to ascertain whether this vehicle was indeed being officially repaired at this business and if this business is a contracted service provider to the relevant department.
The DA will make sure that this issue of illegal panel beating of provincial vehicles is not just swept under the carpet as the responsible MEC must be held accountable and officials must face consequences,” the DA vowed.