Police take our goods, then charge us with interference for trying to talk: Hawker
Informal traders’ representatives across Gauteng lashed out at the Metro Police in the province for their "continuous harassment" and confiscating of their goods, saying it is an affront to poor people who are trying to make a living for themselves.
They were speaking at a meeting convened by the MEC for Economic development Lebogang Maile with municipal officials and informal traders’ associations at the weekend, to find permanent solutions to matters facing hawkers.
Geoffrey Nemakonde from the South African National Traders and Retail Alliance (SANTRA) said the attitude of Metro Cops is appalling
“They come to your stall and when you have not paid your rent, instead of listening to reasons, they confiscate your goods without giving you a date to collect them. It gets worse when you try to talk to them – they charge you with interference!” said Nemakonde.
JMPD spokesman Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said it is not a standard procedure to charge traders with interference.
“If that happens, the victim must call our office and give us the name of the officer for the case to be investigated.” Minnaar said.
Deputy Chairman of the South African Informal Traders’ Forum Phumlani Ndlozi said poor management and follow-up by City officials is the other reason why there is no order in the sector
“Let us look at the issue of management before delving into promulgation. There is also the issue of bypassing leaders of the informal traders and going to engage with a certain group of people on the ground. That clearly shows that you undermine us as leaders,” said Ndlozi.
Gauteng MEC for Economic development Lebogang Maile said all the stakeholders must work together to formulate the informal trading sector strategy for Gauteng.
“We are determined to address the plight of informal traders and this workshop marks a paradigm shift in ensuring that the sector is governed in a manner that is transformative, responsive and developmental,” Maile said.