In response to the article Good deed on 14th, week ending 13 November:
My concern with this and what my wife Lee-ann and I witnessed months ago at the intersection of Grant Avenue and 6th Avenue in Highlands North (at the Norwood Pick ‘n Pay) is as follows:
- It was early on a Sunday morning, probably near 8am, when we witnessed two Metro police officers walk straight past a street vendor selling sweets, only for them to start confiscating estate agent signs and place them in their vehicles.
- Nothing was done to the street vendor as he continued selling to passersby in the presence of the Metro officers.
I believe in fairness for all and the right and opportunity to earn a living, the actions of the JMPD officers appear to be denying this right to the estate agents concerned, whilst being selective on who they believe should have this right.
Where does JMPD draw the line in terms of municipal bylaws and earning a living, be it either via promoting a property for sale or selling sweets?
*Eds note: Letter has been edited.
In response, spokesperson for Metro police, Senior Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said:
According to local bylaws, no estate agent is allowed to put up more than one sign. Minnaar said, “These signs are called pointer boards and the reason why Metro police remove some of these boards is because only one board is allowed.”
Minnaar explained that signs that are placed far away from a show house are not permitted and must be placed in close proximity to avoid removal.
