Food stall in hot water over trading site
Does the owner of a food stall have permission to operate from Toti police station?
Residents have questioned the legality of a food stall trailer operating from the parking lot of the Amanzimtoti police station.
“The food stand was brought to my attention on Tuesday, 11 March, at which time I enquired with those operating it, who subsequently referred me to the station commander, Colonel Den Mkize,” said ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge.
“I contacted the health inspector, Sandile Masinga both verbally and via email to investigate.” This was followed up with a verbal and written update requests from Cllr Beetge on 17 and 24 March.
“At our latest discussion, Mr Masinga confirmed he had done an inspection, at which time he informed the apparent employee from KwaMakhutha, who operates but does not own the food stand, to inform the owner to lodge an application for a business license with the Business Support Unit. My enquirers with Business Support to confirm their role in the matter turned out unsuccessful, but Mr Masinga did commit to follow up.”
According to Cllr Beetge, as the food stand is being operated from a premises owned by the Department of Public Works, station commander, Col Mkize would have had to give permission for it to operate from the police station. “The question is whether Col Mkize has the authority to recommend or approve such an operation,” said Cllr Beetge.
KZN police spokesman, Colonel Jay Naicker said the SAPS is not responsible for the issuing of permits to food vendors. “That responsibility lies with the municipality,” he said.
“There is a vendor who sells food outside the premises of the SAPS Amanzimtoti. Members of the station, visitors to court and the community at large who visit the station purchase food from this vendor. The vendor in question operates outside the police premises and has no obligation to the management of the station.”
The Sun sent enquires to eThekwini Municipality regarding the legality of the food stall operating from the police station’s parking lot and whether the owner has a license to sell food, but at the time of printing, no response was forthcoming.
