Police act against pavement traders
TRADERS operating without permits outside a Phoenix shopping centre have been asked to pack up or face a future of fines and confiscated goods.
In a joint operation with the metro police, the Phoenix Community Policing Forum has asked for illegal traders to be removed because of congestion on pavements.
Last week, metro police officers visited the Phoenix Plaza to issue a warning to illegal vendors. R200 fines were also handed out to those causing obstructions.
Phoenix forum chairman Umesh Singh said the action followed complaints by the public.
“We are there as the forum looking at what is in the best interest of our community members. Basically, the streets are jammed during peak hours and a lot of these vendors on the street are creating these problems. People are double-parking, triple-parking to buy from these people.”
Singh said the metro police was asked to weigh in on the matter and found that not only were traders operating illegally, but that those who had permits to sell only a particular product were not keeping to this.
“Some of the business owners in the area have complained about the vendors littering and throwing whatever debris from what they sell in the roads. We have to safeguard everyone’s interest — shopper, vendor, pedestrian and motorist.”
One of the illegal traders said he had no hard feelings against metro police members or the forum.
“They are just doing their jobs. I am always alert. When we see the police are coming, I take my things and I move.”
The man has been an illegal trader for 18 years, but says despite the recent “heat” from the police, he would not try to get a permit. “There are a lot of the traders here with permits who got them through bribes. What is the point of me going to get a permit when they are also operating illegally?
“There are also legal vendors who cause blockages when they extend their trading space without permission. So, honestly, it is not just us who cause issues.”
Another vegetable trader, who asked not to be named, said he and his brother would continue to trade even though they received a R200 fine last week.
“We can’t do anything else. We make about R100, R200 a day. We are afraid they will come back and take our goods, but there is no other choice but to stay.”
Singh said it was not the forum’s intention to deprive the traders of their livelihoods. “People have been talking about employment and taking people’s food away, but it’s not our aim. It’s about getting things regularised. We have had meet- ings where both legal and illegal street traders have been represented and they understand where we come from and are eager to work together with us.”
Metro police spokesman Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi did not respond to queries.