EXPLAINER | Why JMPD is increasing its daytime presence in Johannesburg

Johannesburg residents have noticed a visible shift on the city’s roads: more Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers during the day.

After a period where police visibility appeared to dip following the G20, the metro police say the renewed daytime presence is deliberate and part of a broader strategy to keep the city safe.

Why JMPD visibility has increased

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said visible policing forms part of the department’s strategy to deter crime and illegal activities across Johannesburg.

“It is one part of our strategy when it comes to visible policing. We know that it definitely becomes a deterrent for any illegal or prohibited activities that might be happening within the City of Johannesburg,” he said.

During the G20, police visibility increased significantly. Fihla said the commitment was to maintain that presence even after the summit.

“Our commitment was that after the G20, we should be maintaining that, ensuring that the City of Johannesburg remains safe for our residents and visitors.”

For Johannesburg motorists, that means more roadblocks, more patrols, and more officer visibility during daylight hours, not only at night.

Crackdown on illegal informal trading

Alongside visible policing, JMPD has stepped up enforcement around informal trading in parts of Johannesburg.

Mothiba said the city supports informal trading but within the framework of municipal bylaws.

“As the City of Johannesburg, we do encourage people to engage in the freedom of informal trading, but of course it has to be done within the prescripts of the city’s bylaws,” she said.

Enforcement action may follow where traders operate without permits, trade outside designated areas, or leave spaces ‘untidy and unsanitary’.

However, she stressed that traders, whether compliant or not, must be treated humanely.

“They must be treated humanely, whether they are transgressing or not transgressing,” he said.

He added that JMPD officers must follow proper legal procedures and cannot arbitrarily impound goods.

Do you have to pay traffic fines on the spot?

With more roadblocks comes a common question for Johannesburg drivers: must you pay outstanding traffic fines immediately when stopped?

According to Fihla, the AARTO system applies in Johannesburg and Tshwane. Under this system, motorists cannot be arrested for outstanding traffic fines.

“You can’t arrest the person for any outstanding traffic fines,” he said.

The law also allows motorists to pay fines in instalments. Officers may advise or persuade payment, but ‘they can’t force you to pay’.

However, motorists should understand the difference between systems. In municipalities that still operate under the Criminal Procedure Act, arrest for outstanding traffic fines is possible if a warrant has been issued.

“If it does say a warrant, then there is a possibility that you will be arrested,” he explained.

Within Johannesburg, fines progress through stages, from an enforcement notice to a courtesy letter and then to an enforcement order.

Once an enforcement order is issued, motorists will be blocked from renewing their driving licence or vehicle licence disc until the fines are settled.

For Johannesburg residents, the message is clear: police visibility is being maintained post-G20, informal trading enforcement is tightening and understanding how traffic fines work could save you serious inconvenience.

For more information, listen to Fihla using the audio player below: