In line with efforts to ensure pedestrian safety and enforce municipal regulations, the JMPD has been targeting illegal street trading in La Rochelle and Rosettenville.

Trading on streets or roads without permission from the local municipality is unlawful. During recent operations, both perishable and non-perishable goods from informal traders were impounded after being found obstructing pavements.

In Johannesburg, informal traders must comply with the City’s Informal Trading By-laws, which require valid permits and operations only in designated areas.

Trading illegally without a permit or in unauthorised locations can result in fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of goods.

Other regulations include maintaining a clean trading area, adhering to hygiene standards, keeping public walkways clear, and refraining from erecting permanent structures without approval.

JMPD officers emphasised the importance of keeping pavements safe and accessible for pedestrians.

“We need to keep our city streets clean and safe. We also want to ensure traders and those that support them do so in a safe and clean environment that can be monitored,” said JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla.

The enforcement aligns with the City of Johannesburg’s efforts to maintain order and safety in public spaces, highlighting the balance between regulating informal trading and ensuring pedestrian safety.