Outrage at craft confiscation
SONNEGLANS – JMPD insists that all bylaws are enforced regardless of what they are or who they affect.
City of Joburg bylaw infringements are a serious matter according to the JMPD and it is their responsibility to uphold the law.
After JMPD, in conjunction with other City entities, revamped Ward 101 in an integrated community project on 25 May, read the article here, traders were back at the corner trading in their arts and crafts the next day.
During the project, JMPD confiscated arts and crafts from street hawkers on Witdoring Road and President Fouché Drive. The items were removed in accordance with City bylaw infringements Section 13(a) Local Government Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000), which states that informal traders need to have the correct permit to be trading their wares:
“An Authorised Official may remove and impound any Property of an Informal Trader which.~ (a) he or she reasonably suspects is being used or which is intended to be used or has been used for or in connection with Informal Trading; and (b) is found at a place where Informal Trading is restricted or prohibited.”
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Edna Mamonyane said, “It is the responsibility of JMPD to police the City of Joburg and in doing so enforce all of the bylaws stipulated.”
A frustrated resident, Rob McLeod, said, “While some may welcome the uncharacteristically swift action by the JPMD to finally enforce a bylaw infringement in the suburb… Why did the JPMD choose to pick on soft targets in the form of marginalized street vendors, whose only crime is trying to make a living for themselves.”
Supt Mamonyane explained that they are not targeting anyone specifically. “Those hawkers who trade near the road can affect traffic visibility and it may create an opportunity for criminals to conduct their dealings around the area,” she said.
Ward 101 Councillor Ralf Bittkau said, “It is illegal for these traders to sell their goods on the side of the road but they are easy targets for JMPD who should and could be focusing on far more pressing issues such as the vagrants in the greenbelts of the ward.”
“We, at the JMPD, know that a lot of people do not like us but it is our job and unfortunately people need to adhere to the laws of the City, whether or not it is liked,” added Supt Mamonyane.
Details: JMPD, 011 375 5911.
What are your thoughts?
Should the informal traders be allowed to continue their trade?
