EMPD enforces by-laws
Some of the illegal hawkers known for their involvement in dealing in counterfeit goods, seemed to have been forewarned about the EMPD’s early morning raid.
The ongoing violation of municipal by-laws along Nota Road across the main entrance to the Hlahatsi Shopping Mall in Katlehong, caught many illegal traders by surprise when a team of Metro police raided the area recently.
Several members of the EMPD’s Katlehong precinct accompanied by a “By-Laws Unit” – started the operation at around 4am, demolishing several illegal trading structures built illegally outside the mall perimeters.
Scores of traders, many of them operating without a legal permit and dealing in counterfeit goods, fled and left their illegal merchandise confiscated by the EMPD law enforcement officers.
Some of the illegal hawkers known for their involvement in dealing in counterfeit goods, seemed to have been forewarned about the EMPD’s early morning raid.
Their absence from the usually packed open trading market, was replaced by the presence of EMPD officers who were already waiting for them at their trading spots.
Corrugated iron, wooden/steel pillars and plastic/cloth shelter covers were among the many confiscated products.
The seized goods were later stored at the EMPD’s Katlehong storage depot and owners were informed that they would be liable for a payment of a R200 fine and R150 storage fee to recover them.
According to the EMPD, similar operations will be a norm in future, until pedestrians are able to walk freely on sidewalks and hawkers adhere to the stipulated municipal by-laws.
