VIDEO: Community irate after Bulwer Road wire artists fined, banned from trading

THE Glenwood community has rallied behind two wire artists who have been banned from operating in the area.

Residents took to social media to express outrage after police on Friday confiscated the stock and fined the wire artists who have been earning an income by selling their crafts outside a popular retail store in Bulwer Road since 2008

According to Victor Mpofu, one of the wire artists, police said the management of the store contacted them after customers complained that the men were begging for food outside the premises.  

Mpofu said they have never forced anyone to buy them food during all the years they have been operating in the area. 

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“We didn’t expect this to happen, but we are hoping to find a solution. It’s hurts because they also took all our work. 

“We are waiting for the store management to write us a letter so we can take it to the municipality to apply for a permit,” he said.

One of the concerned Glenwood residents, Kathy Legemaate, witnessed the incident and questioned why police are concerned about the men not having a licence when there is such a high crime rate in Glenwood. 

“While I was driving past, there were like seven cops around them. They kept coming back and taking their stock and they fined them R1500,” she said.

She added that police should be worried about the people stealing water meters in Glenwood. 

“We all know them, we know Victor, he is such a nice guy, and they are making an innocent living. He is not begging or harassing anybody. They sell beautiful stuff,” she said.

Parboo Sewpersad, Metro Police spokesperson, confirmed he is aware of the situation.

He said Metro Police had received previous complaints from the store and community police forums regarding illegal vendors who have been operating without permits.

“They should go to business support and apply for a permit, and they will give them an area where they need to trade. They can’t just go and trade everywhere,” he said.

When asked why the artists were not removed previously, Sewpersad said, “We have been enforcing the bylaws and we will continue enforcing the bylaws.”    

The retail store requested for the Berea Mail to reach out to the head office for comment. 

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