The ongoing violation of the municipal by-laws along Nota Road, near the main entrance of Hlahatsi Shopping Mall in Katlehong, required a special raid by EMPD officers, last Friday.
“The lawbreakers were caught by surprise,” said Lieut Kobeli Mokheseng, EMPD media liaison officer.
“Katlehong precinct officers and the By-law Unit began the operation at 4am and 10 illegal trading structures erected on the pavement were demolished and impounded.
“All the hawkers who usually work illegally in the area by operating without the required permits, selling counterfeit goods and preparing open fires failed to report to their stations (usually at 6am) when it became clear that, the EMPD officers had occupied their trading places.”
Corrugated iron, wooden/steel pillars and plastic/cloth shelter covers were confiscated.
The seized goods were taken to the EMPD Katlehong storage facility.
Goods can be returned to the owners after payment of a R200 fine and a R150 storage fee.
“Similar operations will be a norm until pedestrians are able to walk freely on the pavements and hawkers start adhering to the stipulated municipal by-laws,” Mokheseng said.
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