Colonel Nkosinathi Miya, the head of visible policing at the Cleveland SAPS, said several arrests were made and eight businesses were closed down last month.
The businesses were closed because the owners were not in compliance with the Second-hand Goods Act.
They did not have the relevant licences and other documentation to operate.
“These businesses contribute to crime in the precinct. Stolen metal is taken to these places and we will not tolerate this. We have tried to have meetings with the dealers to explain the procedures and what is expected of them but they do not attend,” said Col Miya.
Col Miya said the Cleveland SAPS will continue taking action against those business owners who are not in compliance with the Second-hand Goods Act.
“All these businesses must have a book with the identity numbers of people they bought goods from and what goods were brought in. If they cannot produce these books, action will be taken,” said Col Miya.
In an article previously published by the EXPRESS, Clr Victor Penning, a Kensington resident, said theft of scrap metal is rife across Johannesburg.
He said it costs the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) millions of Rand to replace metal meters, manhole covers and other municipal-owned property.
He called for action against scrap metal dealers because they were supporting thieves to make a quick buck.
At the time, Colonel Bongani Dlamini, the Cleveland SAPS station commander, said scrap metal dealers who were operating illegally were served with notices. He said that after 28 days, people found still contravening the law would be charged and their businesses closed down.
