POLOKWANE – Animals grazing on the side of the road is becoming more and more of an issue in the city.
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Review spoke to Polokwane Municipality spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo on the issue and he confirmed that it is an offense which falls under illegal land use.
Mothapo said besides people making use of municipal land for the animals to graze, they also use open spaces to sell the animals for money.
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“People illegally using land can be finned and their goods and animals can be confiscated according to Municipal bylaws,” he said.
The municipal bylaws state the following:
Any goods or property which he/she reasonably suspects of being used or are intended to be used or have been used in or in connection with the business of street trading, and any goods or property which he/she finds at a place where the carrying on of such business constitutes an offense in terms of these by-laws, irrespective of whether such goods or property are in the possession or control of any person at the time of such impoundment and/or removal.
Any person/s selling or intending to sell their services at areas where trading is prohibited. An authorized officer acting by virtue of section 9.1 must comply with the Saps Act, Act 68 of 1995 and Criminal Procedure Act, Act 51 of 1977.
Any goods of a perishable nature, including plants and flowers, will be kept for 24 hours after confiscation and if of no value they shall be disposed of, otherwise sold to the best advantage by the authorised officer or person designated by him/her, the proceeds to accrue to the Municipality to defray costs. 10.4 Goods will be disposed of in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act, Act 51 of 1977.
Mothapo said that instances like this must be reported to the municipality.
The municipality can be contacted on 015 290 2000.
