The East Rand Traders Square (ERTS) in Boksburg North is a well known entertainment and shopping destination for locals and visitors to find everything they need from bags to jewellery and clothing.
However, the outside of the centre has apparently become a hot spot where drug dealers, hawkers, car guards and vagrants linger.
This is making life difficult for the management of The Traders Square, which boasts 570 tenants.
According to Ronal Sourimuthu, centre manager, they are at their wits’ end.
“We have tried everything from excessive security to putting up extra fences. Still, the unwelcome guests flood the entrance on Cynthia Street, knowing that it is a public road and that management does not have the authority to keep them out.”
In a desperate attempt to solve the situation, the ERTS management met with EMPD Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago.
“The reality is that we need help. There is the assumption the hawkers are part of The Traders Square. Problem is that Cynthia Street and Oosthuizen Road, where the illegal activity takes place, borders ERTS, but it is still public property,” said Sourimuthu.
“We do not have the authority to ensure that right of admission is reserved as it belongs to the municipality. Yet, this property is on our doorstep and associated with the centre’s business. The hawkers are bothering our customers, this we know,” said Sourimuthu.
According to the security management at ERTS, the hawkers know when the SAPS or EMPD will strike and they just come back when the coast is clear.
According to Sourimuthu, the hawkers are selling the same items as the traders, at cheaper prices, and the tenants are not happy about the dent in their pockets.
Kgasago said the EMPD is aware of the situation and will take the necessary steps to remove the hawkers, vagrants and ‘car guards’.
“It should be noted there are limited resources and staff to address this issue effectively as it will have to be a longterm project that will need continuous attention.
“We will do our best to see that the problem is alleviated,” said Kgasago.
The SAPS have also been informed of the situation and Capt Juanita Coetzer, Boksburg North SAPS communications officer, confirmed the police will work with the EMPD and other key role players to not only remove drug dealers and hawkers and curb illegal activities but to ensure the safety of the management, tenants and customers of ERTS.
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