A call to place embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality under Section 139 (7) intensifies  

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Picture: The embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE 

28 February 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West said it has launched a petition in support for the embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality to be placed under Section 139(7) national administration.

The DA Spokesperson on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs in North West, Chris Steyl said they formally wrote to the National Minister of Cooperative Governance, Velenkosini Hlabisa, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, and President Cyril Ramaphosa on 10 January 2025, requesting that the national government place the Ditsobotla Local Municipality under Section 139(7) national administration to restore service delivery and good governance.

Steyl said since their letter, Ditsobotla residents have had no respite from the endless frustration brought about by extended water and electricity supply disruptions. He further said after the heavy rains, there are more potholes than roads left, and refuse collection remains erratic.

Steyl added that the acting Municipal Manager of Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Rasupang Mooketsi, issued a notice this week that the municipality would again be unable to pay salaries at the end of February 2025. 

“If there is no money to pay salaries, then there is no money to purchase parts, tools, and other goods to deliver services and repair and maintain infrastructure. The municipality has a budget deficit of R171 million and owes Eskom more than R1.2 billion.

“Ditsobotla has collapsed. It is only through a National Government intervention under Section 139(7) that Ditsobotla can be stabilised to ensure infrastructure maintenance is conducted and quality basic services are delivered,” he said. 

Steyl said their request to the National Government includes, a fully funded financial recovery plan administered by National Treasury, an independent financial forensic audit, an independent skills audit of all management, and lifestyle audits of all elected political office bearers and municipal management. He said this includes disciplinary action to remove compromised politicians and municipal officials from office and prosecution of all individuals complicit in criminal activity. 

“We want the recruitment of skilled, qualified, and experienced officials through a fair and transparent process without any political influence. The Asset Forfeiture Unit to recover all losses identified in the forensic audit.

“We ask all Ditsobotla residents to sign the DA’s petition, and we will make sure that their voices are heard inside the Union Buildings,” said Steyl.

Meanwhile, the municipality continues to experience poor service delivery, including shortages of water, lack of electricity, high rate of unemployment and inaccessible roads. The municipality has issued a public notice on Thursday regarding power interruption in some sections of the town since Tuesday and Wednesday. 

The municipality spokesperson, Pius Batsile said: “The municipality has been tirelessly tracing the cable fault.

However, we have managed to trace where the cable fault is located and we are working on it to ensure that power supply is restored.

“Areas affected are Civic centre building, FNB, Roman Pizza, Checkers/Dada complex/ Thabo Mbeki, Republic Street, Buchanan, Burger Street, Daniel Street, Mathews Street, Pretorius Street, Lovedale Street, Correctional Services, Lagos and surrounding areas.”

Batsile said furthermore, it is also of importance for residents to take note that the municipality is still busy addressing the cause of power failure in the Retiefspark and Waterworks Sections. He said any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.

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Picture: The embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality

Mokgosi outlines strategies to drive inclusive growth and creating jobs  

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

27 February 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the State of the Province Address (SOPA) sets the tone for the implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP-2025-2030) in the next five years. Mokgosi said the MTDP is anchored on three strategic priorities such as driving inclusive growth and creating jobs. 

He further said this includes, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living as well as building a cable, ethical and developmental state. Mokgosi added that to achieve these objectives, a government that works for the people is needed.

“We need a state that is capable and competent, underpinned by a professional public service. South Africans want a state that treats all people with dignity, humility and respect. 

“A state with leaders who are prepared to serve our people with complete dedication, and public servants who are ethical, skilled and properly qualified. The 2025 SOPA is a culmination of a broader consultative process with various stakeholders to find consensus on matters of socio-economic concern confronting the province,” he said.

Mokgosi said they are concerned about the high levels of unemployment and poverty confronting the communities. He said they are a province endowed with natural resources such as minerals and weather conditions that permit a conducive environment for agriculture to thrive, as well as majestic tourist attraction sites that they must exploit to create economic opportunities for the people.

“The recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey, where our province shed 20 000 jobs, putting the expanded unemployment rate at 52%, must galvanize and unite all of us to tackle these issues, head on. 

“Therefore, aggressive measures are needed to find solutions to these challenges. The provincial treasury will be seized with the responsibility to develop a framework and regulations that speaks to localization through Supply Chain Management Policies related to the new Public Procurement Act without obstructing the country’s Constitutional imperatives,” said Mokgosi.

He said his government has so far garnered investments of R9 billion by Harmony Gold and China Africa Precious Metals in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality. Mokgosi said these investments have collectively created and preserved 10 000 jobs.

“The Mekgareng Smart City project, which is a collaborative development initiative between the North West and Gauteng, coordinated by the national Department of Human Settlements, will create 20 000 jobs for the people of Madibeng Local Municipality.

“The project is estimated to attract investments of between R10 billion and R25 billion rands. We have allocated R24 million to establish a Development Fund to accelerate development initiatives across the province,” he said.

Mokgosi said this will be done with a special focus to stimulate economic growth and create sustainable job opportunities. He said the work of the Economic and Investment Advisory Council is beginning to yield desired results.

“The Council is responsible for assisting the province to drive its industrialization programme, lure investments and see to the full implementation of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS).

“We envisage to establish a Regional Research, Innovation and Development Office, which will be in, and coordinated by, the Office of the Premier with a specific focus on Science, Technology and Engineering,” said Mokgosi.

He said they have also partnered with the South African Defense Force (SANDF) and Phila Jordan Academy (Pty) Ltd to provide training opportunities to 3000 beneficiaries in artisanal and tooling programmes, through the South African National Service Institute (SANSI) Pilot Programme, which is a SANDF-led National Youth Service (NYS) programme. Mokgosi said this initiative is aimed at providing training skills programmes, through refurbishment of government buildings by young people, as well as providing incubation, mentorship, and market access support to youth-led enterprises.

“Furthermore, more than 1200 young people are participating in a National Youth Service Programme at the Departments of Public Works and Roads, Human Settlements, Social Development, and Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation. 

“In addition to the aforementioned figure, a further 7000 young people were provided with skills to enter the job market and placed in various job opportunities. Moreover, more than 5000 youth owned enterprises were supported with financial and non-financial business development interventions by supporting their entrepreneurial skills through the NYDA Grant Programme,” he said.

Mokgosi said more than 3000 young people have been exposed to various employment opportunities as ambassadors of One Stop Centres, SMME development through the Empowerment Fund and as tourism monitors across the province. He said the province will collaborate with the Department of Small Business Development to accelerate government programs to revitalise village and township economies.

“As a province, we will drive this partnership through the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) and relevant national entities to realize this objective,”SAID Mokgosi. 

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ANC Caucus in North West applauds Mokgosi’s measures to tackle unemployment 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

28 February 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) caucus in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) has welcomed measures announced by the North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, in his 2025 State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered on Thursday to stimulate rural economies through infrastructure development in order to tackle unemployment and create the much-needed jobs.

The ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature, Motlalepula Rosho on behalf of the caucus said, the SOPA pronouncements give them hope that the revitalisation of village and township economies will translate into empowerment programmes for the benefit of the mostly young people burdened by joblessness in order to defuse the ticking time-bomb of youth unemployment. 

“Mokgosi was frank in acknowledging challenges facing communities and outlining a responsive Programme of Action (POA) to address them and accelerate service delivery.

“We welcome the collaboration between the provincial government and private sector to unlock expertise and funds to leverage needed investment to finance productive economic infrastructure, such as roads and water infrastructure,” she emphasised.

Rosho further said the 7thadministration’s relentless pursuit of restoring institutions, dismantling corruption, and spearheading economic recovery demands unequivocal commendation and support. She added that the ANC caucus commends the provincial government’s efforts to rebuild as well as expand the economy and create a virtuous cycle of investment, growth and jobs for the unemployed that she identified as a top priority.

“The ANC stands undeterred in its commitment to safeguard the hard-won gains of democracy and propelling the province of the North West towards a future defined by opportunity and equality.

“The objective and resolve to change the agricultural landscape through sustainable development of historically marginalised farmers will go towards financial inclusion and economic growth in the sector,” said Rosho.

She said progress in negotiating the acquisition of water sources with stakeholders and the establishment of professionally managed, ring-fenced utilities for water services to assist in ensuring that there can be adequate provision and maintenance of this public service, which is essential to the survival of our communities. 

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus leader in the North West Provincial Legislature, Feddy Sonakile said: “During the State of the Province Address (SOPA) in the North West Provincial Legislature yesterday, Mokgosi once again delivered a speech loaded with empty promises and a total lack of vision. Saying a lot without saying much at all.

“As expected, Mokgosi is still stuck on the same track as all his predecessors, with no new, innovative plans to restore the economy. Speaking of donations, schemes, and programs, holding the residents hostage as they remain dependent on the government due to unemployment.”

Sonakile said Mokgosi mentioned thousands of jobs through Expanded Public Works, Community Health Workers, and Community Works and Labour Activation Units. He asked where are these jobs, as this province has the highest unemployment rate in the country?

“Merely duplicating the hollow promises from previous SOPAs clearly indicates that this province has seen no progress over the last few years and fosters no confidence in the future of North West.

“The Premier bragged about two improved municipalities, Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda, but there was no mention of the plan to rescue the other 20 municipalities that remain stagnant and keep regressing,” said Sonakile. 

He said many of the municipalities in the North West face total collapse. Sonakile said yesterday’s speech was nothing, but a smokescreen for an incompetent and incapable North West government that does not really care about the residents as much as they do their own pockets.

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Two men sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and attempted murder

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

27 February 2025- Three men were sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years for attempted murder and 10 years imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act by the Bafokeng Regional Court in Rustenburg. The accused, Rapula Solomon Ramadikela (34), Kefiloe Victor Tsoloane (36), and Dumisane Matejwana Ndaba (22), were found guilty for the murder of Jeremiah Sello Hamel (45) and the attempted murder of Koketso Thakadu and Neo Liteli (both 19).

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the convictions stem from an incident on 16 February 2023, in Freedom Park, Rustenburg. Gunya said evidence presented in court revealed that Hamel was driving a Ford Ranger with two passengers when a separate altercation unfolded near a local tavern.

“Koketso Thakadu, one of the victims, became agitated upon seeing his girlfriend speaking with a Quantum taxi driver outside the tavern. Acting out of jealousy and anger, Thakadu threw liquor bottles at the taxi, damaging its windows. 

“The taxi driver, Solomon Ramadikela, later gathered his associates, Tsoloane and Ndaba, and conspired to retaliate against the individuals in the Ford Ranger. At approximately 3am, the accused tracked down the Ford Ranger and blocked it using two Quantum taxis,” he said.

Gunya further said Ramadikela approached the driver’s side while Tsoloane targeted the passenger’s side. Hamel was shot and died at the scene. He added that, the two passengers, Thakadu and Liteli, managed to escape while being fired upon.

“Following police investigations and informant leads, all three accused were arrested. The accused pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, the court found sufficient evidence to convict them. 

During sentencing, state prosecutor, Sangweni Zimema, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, emphasising the alarming increase in murder cases. Magistrate Segakweng Moeng concurred, ruling that two of the accused acted in common purpose.

Gunya said the court sentenced Ramadikela and Tsoloane to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years for attempted murder (sentences to run concurrently). He said Ndaba was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act. 

“The court further ordered his deportation to Lesotho upon completion of his sentence,” said Gunya. 

Meanwhile, welcoming the sentences, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the investigative and prosecution teams for their dedication. 

“We stand united in our resolve to ensure justice is served. Violent crimes will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face the full force of the law,” she said. 

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SITA appoints new interim Board

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By REGINALD KANYANE

28 February 2025 – The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) said it welcomed the appointment of the interim board of directors, which was announced on 27 February 2025, by the government. The agency said this significant development marks a new chapter in the journey of the company as it works towards achieving excellence and delivering in accordance with the expectations of its customers.

SITA’s acting Managing Director, Gopal Reddy said the interim board brings a wealth of experience and expertise from both the ICT industry and other sectors. Reddy said this will be instrumental in guiding SITA through this transitional period.

“We are confident that their leadership will provide the strategic direction and governance needed to steer the company towards sustainable growth and improved performance.

“The newly appointed non-executive directors that form the interim board are Ms Sedzani Mudau (Chairperson), Mr Willie Vukela (DPSA representative), Mr Willie Mathebula (National Treasury representative), Adv Johannes Collen Weapond and Mr Omega Shelembe (Department of Communication and Digital Technologies),” he said.

Reddy further said, executive directors will form part of the board complement. He added that SITA is committed to working collaboratively with the interim board to address the challenges the company faces and to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

“With the interim board in place, this marks a step towards restoring governance and to focus among other things, on urgent and priority business decisions.

“All SITA teams will support the interim board and contribute towards the long-term success and resilience of the company,” said Reddy.

He said they would like to extend their gratitude to all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners, for their continued support and trust in SITA. Reddy said as they embark on this new journey, they remain dedicated to upholding their core values that include accountability, integrity, and customer centricity in all that we do.

“SITA believes that with the interim board’s guidance and the collective efforts of everyone, the company will emerge stronger and more capable of delivering outstanding results for all our stakeholders,” he said.

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A man nabbed for series of crimes

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Picture: A man arrested for a series of crimes/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

28 February 2025- A man (22) was from Khalankomo village in the Eastern Cape, appeared in the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on multiple serious charges. The accused, Ayanda Nombebe, is facing six counts of murder, five counts of possession of unlicensed firearms, two counts of attempted murder of police officials, conspiracy to commit robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of ammunition, and possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 24 February 2025, the police received a tip-off about a planned cash-in-transit robbery at Attlyn Mall in Atteridgeville. Mahanjana said acting on the tip-off, the police arrived at the mall, spotted two motor vehicles that would supposedly be involved in the robbery and began to follow them as they were heading to Laudium.

“While driving on Military Road in Laudium, police attempted to stop the vehicles, but the suspects refused to comply. They instead sped off and began to shoot at the police vehicle.

“After driving a few meters, the vehicles stopped, and seven suspects came out. Thereafter, a shootout between the suspects and the police ensued resulting in six suspects dying on the scene,” she said.

Mahanjana further said, during the shootout, the accused allegedly fled to a nearby house, where he was found and arrested. She added that further investigations revealed that one of the vehicles used in the attempted robbery had been reported stolen in Clayville.

“In court, the matter was postponed to 5 March 2025, for bail investigations, while the accused remains in custody,” said Mahanjana.

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Judgement reserved on Loma’s bail application

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Michael Harry Lomas awaits the outcome of his bail application in a high-profile Eskom fraud case, with a ruling expected on March 17, 2025. Picture: IOL

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

28 February 2025- The Johannesburg High Court postponed the bail application by Michael Harry Lomas to 17 March 2025 for judgement. Both the state and Lomas’ attorney completed their heads of argument, and the state argued strongly against the granting of bail.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the state argued that Lomas is a flight and suicide risk based on the reports by two psychiatrists sourced by him in the United Kingdom (UK) during his extradition hearing, wherein they declared him to be a suicide risk. Mamothame said furthermore, the state made reference to how he left South Africa through Namibia to the UK in March 2018, possibly knowing that investigations were conducted on the Kusile matter.

“Lomas and 11 others are facing 65 counts of corruption relating to the R1,4 billion that was meant for the construction of Eskom’s Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga,” he said.

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A man sentenced to seven years imprisonment for theft of a motor vehicle

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By REGINALD KANYANE

28 February 2025- A man sentenced to seven years imprisonment for theft of a motor vehicle. On 28 December 2022, a case of theft of a motor vehicle was registered in Upington, involving a Toyota Land Cruiser worth R400 000.

According to ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela, the accused, Anthony Rees (39), rented the vehicle from a 4×4 Rental company and never returned it. Masegela said the investigating officer followed all the leads and it was discovered that the suspect took the vehicle to Botswana, and returned to South Africa without it.

“A warrant of arrest was issued for his arrest, and the suspect was circulated as wanted. During 2023, the investigating officer was informed that the suspect was arrested in Pretoria on another case.

“Rees was later transferred to Upington Correctional Service and he was charged for theft of motor vehicle. On 26 February 2025, he was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for theft of motor vehicle,” he said.

Masegela further said Rees will serve this sentence combined with the seven years imprisonment for the possession of stolen vehicle in Pretoria Correctional Service, which he already started. He added that the stolen Toyota Land Cruiser was recovered in Zimbabwe and will be transported back for handing over.

Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Management, commended the excellent investigation by Warrant Officer Nicolaas Van Zyl of Upington Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit that led to the incarceration of the accused.

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SAPS in Northern Cape takes service delivery to the people

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Picture: The police engaging with community members/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

28 February 2025- The police in Northern Cape, together with the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Board, took the services to the community, with pop up stalls and a mobile Community Service Centre (CSC) at the four-way intersection in Homelite/Galeshewe in Kimberley on Friday.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the CSC assisted the community with the reporting of crime, certification of documents, and affidavits. Kock said service delivery was also promoted via a motorcade rendering engagements with the community.

“The pamphlets communicating safety hints were distributed by the men and women in blue. The community was educated about crime and the dangers of over-indulging in alcohol and gambling.

“The engagement was spearheaded by the Provincial Head for Proactive Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi and supported by the Provincial Head for Corporate Communication, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien and other SAPS components including, Provincial Inspectorate, Firearms, Liquor and Second Hand-Goods (FLASH) unit,” he said.

Kock further said the police also conducted marketing for the upcoming Provincial Sports is our Future tournament to be held in Kimberley on 6 March 2024.

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Over 6500 foreign nationals applied for tuckshop licences across North West

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Picture: One of the tuckshops across the country/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

28 February 2025- Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affair (COGTA), Velenkosi Hlabisa said in the address to the nation on 15 November 2024, following the deaths of children due to food-borne illnesses, amongst measures adopted by the government, President Ramaphosa outlined a key compliance intervention on the regulation of spaza shops.

Hlabisa said as a government, they understand the concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding the registration deadline for spaza shops. He added, however, it must be noted that this was set to address the urgent need to ensure compliance with health and safety standards following the tragic incidents of food-borne illnesses. 

“Registration ensures that all spaza shops meet minimum standards, regardless of their past operations. In considering whether or not to extend the registration deadline, the government considers its commitment to supporting small businesses, prioritising health and safety, ensuring inclusivity and fairness and maintaining its integrity.

“The municipal processes of adopting and adapting the by-laws as gazetted by the Minister of COGTA on 7 November 2024, are highly regulated and need a lot of consultation to complete,” he said.

Hlabisa said prior to the revised deadline of 28 February 2025, the government in all its spheres will continue to implement the action plan to address the crisis of foodborne illnesses and the illicit trade of goods across the country. He said those who have registered their businesses and have duly received their acknowledgement of registration still need to undertake a further process to obtain their trading licenses.

“For this process, Environmental Health Practitioners and other regulatory authorities will still inspect owners of registered food-related trading businesses to ensure that their businesses are eligible to trade.

“Notwithstanding the holiday scaling down of operations, municipalities must still reserve capacity to assist those who will be registering. We also urge business owners to continue with their registration process within their respective municipalities and not wait until the next registration deadline,” said Hlabisa.

He said it is essential to explain that the end of this period does not mean that the process is over. Hlabisa said a lot still needs to happen for those who have registered their businesses and others who still need to do so.

“As the multidisciplinary team dealing with this outbreak, we will continue our efforts to ensure that all food handling facilities, including manufacturers comply with business and health regulatory requirements.

“We need to explain that we are dealing with two distinct processes. The first process is business compliance, where you need to register the spaza shops or any food handling business. The second process is compliance with health regulations,” he said.

Hlabisa said this process does not depend on whether you are registered or not. He said if you do not comply with the health regulations, the business is closed down immediately.

“So far, 1041 spaza shops have already been closed. We are aware of some who have encountered obstacles not of their own making, preventing them from complying with the 21-day registration period.

“We would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have taken the time to register their businesses. This was an essential step in ensuring that these businesses uphold the dignity and protect the human lives of the public they serve from which they derive their livelihoods,” said Hlabisa.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said: “They are appealing to the owners of tuck shops and food handling outlets to make sure that they register their businesses before the end of business today. The 28 February is the last day for registration of tuck shops.

“Through different municipalities, the province has received 8968 registration applications and 6579 were from foreign nationals. More than 4045 compliance inspections were conducted throughout the province and 273 businesses were found to be non-compliant.”

Molapisi said out of 273 businesses, 73 were shut down because they had no Certificate of Acceptance for food business, unhygienic conditions with evidence of cockroach infestations and spoiled food. He said this includes structural violations of owners sleeping inside the shops with poor ventilation and illegal business operation without a permit.

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