The EMPD demolished hawkers’ structures at the Daveyton Mall |Taxi Rank on November 24.

Several robberies targeting late-night commuters and growing complaints from stakeholders, including the Benoni Taxi Association (BTA), prompted the demolition.

According to EMPD communications officer Lerato Monyane, members of the Land Invasion Unit, supported by various precincts, moved in to remove structures illegally erected around the taxi rank.

“Commuters alleged that they are robbed late at night by people hiding in these structures. Some traders were reportedly sleeping in the makeshift structures.

“The traders were given verbal warnings followed by written notices to remove themselves and apply for a trader’s permit. While some vacated the area, others failed to comply,” said Monyane.

She added that while some traders at the site are South African, many are foreign nationals, and a significant number are undocumented, making them ineligible to apply for trading permits.

The EMPD said the demolition would improve commuter safety and restore order at the rank, which has seen a rise in criminal activity attributed to those taking advantage of the concealed spaces created by the structures.

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