Illegal trading by hawkers or vendors is not permitted in an area or spot where it is not demarcated and approved for trading by the City of Ekurhuleni.
It is then the responsibility of the would-be dealer to visit the nearest customer care centre for advice, through the Department of Economic Development, before commencing any business thereof.
Patrolling EMPD officers or members responding to an illegal trading complaint could confiscate goods or items sold and issue offenders with hefty written notices for:
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• Running the business of a street vendor in a garden or park on a verge adjacent to the public building, in an area declared by the council as a prohibited or restricted area, at a place where it causes obstruction in front of a fire hydrant or an entrance to a building, where it substantially obstructs pedestrians in their use of a sidewalk, within 10m from any street intersections, scholar patrol, pedestrian crossing and or 3m from the corners of any building. This offence carries a fine of up to R200
• Running the business of a street vendor where it obstructs vehicular traffic. This carries a fine of up to R500
• Holding an auction without the consent of council, sale or flea market in any public place. This carries a fine of up to R500.
However, if the EMPD officers come across naïve illegal traders or hawkers operating where it is not permitted to do so, we workshop, advise and show them the right channels to follow before we enforce municipal by-laws.
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