Brakpan police recently met with liquor outlet owners and second-hand goods dealers to discuss compliance, safety and crime prevention.

The designated officers for second-hand goods at the Brakpan Police Station, Warrant Officer Simangele Kunene and Sergeant Sibusiso Mavuso, conducted the engagements in the police station’s boardroom with the support of Vispol support head Lieutenant Colonel Pearl Van Staad and Sector Three manager Sergeant Elvis Mashifane.

The second-hand goods meeting was held on May 12 and steered by Mavuso.

“This particular engagement was mainly to ensure compliance with the Second-Hand Goods Act. It is crucial for maintaining law and order in the second-hand goods sector,” said Constable Audrey Buthelezi, Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer.

She added that various aspects of compliance were discussed during the meeting, including:

• The Second-Hand Goods Act 6 of 2009. It was explained that the Act regulates the business of dealers in second-hand goods and pawnbrokers in order to combat the trade in stolen goods, promote ethical standards in the industry, and provide for matters connected therewith.
• Registration: Dealers must register their businesses with the SAPS to ensure compliance.
• Trading times: Dealers must adhere to the prescribed trading times and licence renewal processes.
• Record-keeping: Dealers were encouraged to keep accurate records of all stock on hand and every item sold and purchased. It is mandatory.
• Stolen goods: Dealers were warned against buying and selling stolen goods and encouraged to report any suspicions to the police. The liquor meeting was held on May 13, and was led by Kunene.

“The SAPS conducts meetings with liquor outlet owners to address compliance with the Liquor Act. During such meetings, emphasis is put on the importance of compliance and the consequences of non-compliance,” said Buthelezi.

The meeting focused on key issues, namely:

• Operating times should balance business needs with community safety.
• Noise pollution: Liquor outlets must manage sound systems to prevent disturbance and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Discipline and safety measures to protect customers and employees.
• Community engagement to address concerns and foster co-operation between liquor traders and law enforcement.
• Display of proper documents.
• Hosting events: Owners were encouraged to apply to host events so that safety and security remain an uncompromised priority.
• Compliance with the Gauteng Liquor Act 2 of 2003

“During both engagements, the FLASH (Firearm, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods) members reiterated that a secure, compliant trading environment benefits everyone and by reducing incidents of excessive drinking and underage sales, you are building a more sustainable business and building a safer community, and that is a shared responsibility,” said Buthelezi.

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