adminhindering black empowerment and indigenisation, is aimed at engaging and educating the residents on the adherence to sound town planning principles and by-laws.
Of the 40 vehicles, 17 were towed to Khami Road Stores section while 23 vehicles were clamped and owners have already paid fines.
The council is demanding $15 from operators that were found washing cars and $36 for repairing vehicles.
Storage fees are $15 plus VAT for small vehicles and $30 plus VAT for bigger vehicles per day.
In response to written questions on Tuesday, the council’s senior public relations officer, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu, confirmed the impounding of vehicles and said operators that failed to comply with council by-laws would be issued with enforcement and prohibition orders.
“The council has put in place a committee of officers from various departments, which will visit garage operators on a regular basis. They will educate them on how to apply for regularisation of their operations in terms of the Regional Town Planning and Country Act of 1996,” said Mrs Mpofu.
She said operators would also be advised on the processes involved in the Act and encouraged to comply.
“For the operations that are not permitted according to the operative local plan of the areas, operators will be told to cease their operations.
“Such operators will also be given written warnings and if they fail to comply, they will be issued with enforcement and prohibition orders,” said Mrs Mpofu.
Recently the council descended on backyard mechanics and impounded their clients’ vehicles on repair saying their operations were illegal.
At the beginning of the operation 12 vehicles were impounded from different business people in the city and nine illegal shops were issued tickets.
The development sent shock waves to many illegal operators amid revelations that several backyard garages were sprouting in the city.
The local authority demanded $120 to release each of the impounded vehicles and towing fees were pegged at $65 for each vehicle.
Affected business people criticised the move by the council and said it was a blow to indigenisation and black empowerment.
Mrs Mpofu said the operation was to legalise operations and aimed at clearing unauthorised activities and ensuring residents regularise business operations by licensing them.
She encouraged residents to visit council offices and inquire on how best they could engage the council in their business activities.
Online Reporter
- Chronicle , SundayNews
- June 4, 2026
- 8 views
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