More bylaw enforcement in ward 118

Officer Magadi Phake told the public at a recent Cleveland Community Police Forum (CCPF) meeting, that officers are addressing a number of concerns in Malvern, Bruma, Kensington and Cyrildene.

“There are a lot of hawkers in Jules Street in Malvern. Several of them who are operating in demarcated areas and are in possession of smart cards. We are taking action against those who are operating illegally. “We are impounding their goods as well. One of our concerns is the people who are cooking on the pavements with open fires. We are attending to this problem,” she said.

Residents have been complaining about the illegal hawkers for years. Mr Mike Spadino, chairperson of the Malvern United Community Forum, said the hawkers who operate illegally are impacting on local businesses. They leave the area, in which they operate, in a mess, their garbage blocks drains and people refuse to walk past them to enter businesses. He said those who cook meat and other food also pose a health risk to customers.

Officer Phake said that several operations were also held with Emergency Management Services and the health department officials in Malvern, Bruma and Cyrildene. Notices were issued and some businesses were closed down because of contraventions.

Sergeant Marius Boolsen said contraventions in Derrick Avenue, Cyrildene, are also being addressed. Some of the contraventions include illegal parking, dumping and businesses.

“We will issue fines and if people do not comply, we will confiscate their goods and take further action,” he said.