JMPD intervenes after Pineslopes food truck fire
While JMPD moved the informal traders out after the fire at a food truck in Pineslopes, the next day they were back, like they'd never left.
Allegations of a gas cylinder fire at a food truck, reportedly operating as a makeshift restaurant in Pineslopes, prompted the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to launch an operation to stop informal trading along Sunrise Boulevard.
According to Vino Reddy, councillor of Ward 93, JMPD impounded a gazebo, tables, chairs, and 19kg gas cylinder. “The operation is in response to a complaint about an exposed gas cylinder and fire reported by residents on March 9.” Reddy said one of the business owners saw the fire and put it out. He said no injuries were reported. “I just do not know about the extent of the damage.”
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He said, this occurrence is music to his ears. “I am very happy, because one of the reasons for the operation was that there was a fire at one of the trailers. There was a massive gas cylinder there, which was exposed to the elements without a cage.
“I reported that to environmental health, as well as Region A Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM), and asked for the intervention. The other thing I asked for was if they are actually allowed to have this kind of facility, in terms of a gazebo, with tables and chairs for the customers. Because a food truck isn’t a restaurant. It is essentially a service vehicle that is providing food. It’s not providing any space to sit, as such.”
Reddy said the proliferation of food trucks, and street vendors, in the area has been phenomenal. He said he’s seen significant growth in the past year or so. “Given the city by-laws, we needed some intervention in terms of the number of people that are allowed to be on the corner, and how far from the intersection they need to be. That sort of thing.”
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But this was short lived as the informal traders allegedly came back the following day, as if nothing happened, this according to Hans Jooste, the general manager of Future City Fourways (FCF), a non-profit company that is cleaning and providing maintenance services in Fourways.
“Now is the time JMPD should go back and repeat what they did, fine them and confiscate their goods. There are JMPD vehicles in Fourways every day patrolling the area. I cannot understand why they can’t just pull off the road, get out of their patrol vehicle, and tell these guys to move on. The same goes for the guys illegally parking on red lines, sidewalks, middle islands, right turn lanes, etc, up at Builders Warehouse on Sunrise Boulevard. Where are the JMPD officers who worked that area, who did not tolerate this and were respected and appreciated by all? Please send them back.”
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JMPD’s Xolani Fihla said he would revert with more information, when reached out for comment. However, none was forthcoming at the time we went to print.
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