Johannesburg Metro’s Controversial Debt Collection Method Declared "Unlawful and Illegal"

A controversial decision by the financially challenged Johannesburg Metro to utilise roadblocks as a means of revenue collection has been met with staunch opposition by legal experts who have deemed it "unlawful and illegal". The strategy, launched in an attempt to recover billions of rand in rates and taxes owed to the city, has seen finance officials from the city joining forces with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).

It was Dada Morero, the financial political head of the city, who initially disclosed the contentious policy. The plan endorses JMPD, along with group finance officials, to "engage with residents on outstanding fees" on their municipal accounts during roadblocks.

This unique approach to debt collection has sparked a heated dialogue among experts in the legal fraternity, with many contending that the method infringes upon resident's rights, marking a critical turning point in the ongoing discussions surrounding fair and lawful debt recovery methods.

The Johannesburg Metro government, currently grappling with financial strain, conceived the roadblock-initiated revenue recovery strategy as an innovative solution to their shortfall. However, the backlash from the legal community indicates that this measure may be crossing the line, potentially prompting a reassessment of the contentious debt recovery method.