Law enforcement collaboration clamp down on hawking in Sunnyside
“There are genuinely hardworking vendors, who strive to better their family’s lives,” says a vendor.
An operation to remove illegal hawkers on Robert Sobukwe Street in Sunnyside has received mixed reactions.
Police spokesperson Captain Mavimbela said the aim of the operation by police, crime prevention wardens and Gauteng traffic inspector was to root out street robberies and also enforce by-laws.
“The joint operation aims to clean up the congested street, ensuring that hawkers do not occupy spaces illegally, which has been identified as a significant contributing factor to the surge in street robberies, primarily targeting cellphones,” said Mavimbela.
A hawker in the area James Jumah said even though he welcomed the police intervention to curb crime, he was against the illegal removal of vendors.
“Some of us good people, we don’t engage in drugs nor criminal activities. We are hard-working individuals who want to bring food to the table,” Jumah told Rekord.
He admitted that there were a few rotten apples among them who masqueraded as vendors but were engaging in criminal acts.
Susan Mpofane, a Zimbabwean vendor in Sobukwe Street, said it was easy to do business on the street as most people pass by her stall when they go to and from work.
“Some of us struggle with applications of permits, and besides they would want to take us to areas where our customers wouldn’t find us,” added Mpofane.
However, Mavimbela said the continuous increase of illegal hawkers on the street enabled criminal activities which added to the rise of street robberies, specifically those that are aimed at stealing cellphones from unsuspecting victims.
“The collaboration between the wardens and the inspector is a testament to the commitment of the police to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.
“By enforcing by-laws and cleaning up the street, we create an environment that is less conducive to criminal activities.”
Sunnyside police station commander, Brigadier Matshidiso Kgoadi, lauded the tireless efforts of the wardens in making a meaningful impact on curbing street robberies in the area.
“Their presence and dedication have played a crucial role in reducing criminal activities and enhancing safety on Robert Sobukwe Street,” Kgoadi said.
The joint operation was spearheaded by the wardens and the inspector.
North road safety activist vies for international award
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
