Police sieze cars and cables

CABLES stolen from traffic lights were seized in raids on illegal Jozi scrapyards yesterday.

Daily Sun reported that Joburg Metro Police, emergency services and the SAPS swooped in a joint operation in Jeppe and Troyeville.

They impounded eight cars from panel-beaters as they were being repaired on public roads.

Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said some of the cars were illegal as their engine numbers had been tampered with.

Cops were checking to see if the cars had been stolen.

Police clashed with panel-beaters from whom cops took tools after they failed to produce permits.

Minnaar said the police issued fines for non-compliance with regulations for scrap metal dealers and spray painters.

Furious panel-beater Friday Adebayor said they weren't told police would raid the place. He said they bought wrecked cars and fixed them.

"We buy these cars on auction. We don't buy stolen cars. If they don't want us to work here they must just tell us so we can look for another place."

Joburg MMC for public safety Sello Lemao said: "There have been reports of people operating illegally."

He said it was suspected stolen cars ended up with illegal dealers and the operation would help rid Joburg of lawlessness.