News / Africa
Two years in jail for peeing in public
10 Mar 2016 at 11:41hrs | Views
PEEING in public in eThekwini, KZN can lead to two years in jail or a fine of up to R40 000 from tomorrow (Friday).
This is due to a new public nuisance by-law the municipality has introduced.
Daily Mail reported that Municipal spokeswoman Tozi Mthethwa told Daily Sun that training of officials to enforce the by-law had been under way for some months.
"We also have a number of other by-laws coming into force in March and April," she said.
The municipality said any person convicted of an offence under the by-law could be fined up to R40 000, go to jail for up to two years or be both fined and imprisoned.
Mthethwa said magistrates and prosecutors had undertaken to work hard to ensure the by-laws are enforced.
"Police will also be educating the public, warning offenders when necessary, issuing written notices with admission of guilt fines and arresting offenders when necessary," said Mthethwa.
The municipality defines a public space as a road, parking area, square, park, recreation ground, sports ground, swimming pool, sanitary lane, open space, beach, shopping centre or municipal land. Not everyone was happy to hear about the new by-law.
Taxi drivers from KwaMashu said they were sometimes forced to pee in public because there were not enough public toilets.
"Sometimes when you arrive at the public toilets you find scores of other men waiting to use them.
You then end up peeing behind your taxi," said one driver.
Using foul language, bathing, washing clothes, having sex, appearing naked or drinking booze in public are also offences under the by-law.
This is due to a new public nuisance by-law the municipality has introduced.
Daily Mail reported that Municipal spokeswoman Tozi Mthethwa told Daily Sun that training of officials to enforce the by-law had been under way for some months.
"We also have a number of other by-laws coming into force in March and April," she said.
The municipality said any person convicted of an offence under the by-law could be fined up to R40 000, go to jail for up to two years or be both fined and imprisoned.
Mthethwa said magistrates and prosecutors had undertaken to work hard to ensure the by-laws are enforced.
"Police will also be educating the public, warning offenders when necessary, issuing written notices with admission of guilt fines and arresting offenders when necessary," said Mthethwa.
The municipality defines a public space as a road, parking area, square, park, recreation ground, sports ground, swimming pool, sanitary lane, open space, beach, shopping centre or municipal land. Not everyone was happy to hear about the new by-law.
Taxi drivers from KwaMashu said they were sometimes forced to pee in public because there were not enough public toilets.
"Sometimes when you arrive at the public toilets you find scores of other men waiting to use them.
You then end up peeing behind your taxi," said one driver.
Using foul language, bathing, washing clothes, having sex, appearing naked or drinking booze in public are also offences under the by-law.
Source - Daily Sun
