Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department operation against Sunninghill trader triggers debate over municipal by-laws
Community representatives question why JMPD officers targeted a single street vendor, while local residents raise concerns over hygiene, noise and unpermitted stalls.
A Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) operation targeting an informal trader in Sunninghill on October 13 sparked heated exchanges over trading permits, residents’ complaints, and the enforcement of municipal by-laws.
JMPD officers said residents called them to the area, prompting the action against the vendor.
Read more: JMPD impounds delivery bikes outside Hammets Crossing following months of complaints
Informal trader Dumisa Phoko said he had a permit but lost it after leaving someone in charge of his stall while he went home. Phoko alleged that officers took his permit during a previous operation and instructed him to collect it in Midrand.
He acknowledged the need for a permit to trade legally, but said he was trying to earn a living. “Yes, I understand that JMPD is doing its job, but I am also trying to make a living.” He said he plans to travel to Midrand to retrieve his permit.
The operation drew strong reactions from residents, including one who challenged officials over the city’s treatment of people trying to earn an income.
Tracy Kensey, a Ward 96 DA candidate councillor present at the scene, urged vendors to obtain permits and maintain cleanliness to address resident concerns over noise, mess, drinking, and illegal gambling.
Also read: Law vs livelihood: JMPD removes informal traders from Winnie Mandela Drive
She said residents were entitled to complain when informal trading affected their privacy, adding that mess and noise were among the concerns raised.
In a previous statement on informal trading operations, JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the City of Johannesburg supports informal trading, provided vendors comply with relevant by-laws. “The City of Johannesburg encourages the freedom to engage in informal trading, but that has to be done in compliance with the provisions of the Informal Trading By-laws, the act, and any other applicable law.”
According to the JMPD, council designates and demarcates stands or areas where informal trading is permitted on public roads under its ownership or control.
The department said anyone intending to operate an informal business can apply through the city’s department of economic development. Fihla added that traders cannot operate in areas declared prohibited or restricted.
The Fourways Review reached out to Fihla for comment about the operation and the allegations made by the traders.
More information will be published once available.
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