A CROWD of demonstrators gathered outside the Pinetown Police Station on Wednesday (April 15) to raise complaints about the issuing of informal traders’ permits.

The demonstrators raised concerns about the issuing of permits to undocumented foreign nationals.

After the gathering outside the station, the demonstrators marched towards the Pinetown CBD.

The police confirmed that a meeting with the aggrieved informal traders will be held at the Pinetown Civic Centre on Friday (April 17) at 09:00, which will be attended by different stakeholders, including representatives from the eThekwini Municipality, the Durban Metro Police Department, and Pinetown SAPS.

Pinetown SAPS communications officer Jennifer Naidu confirmed that the concerns raised by the demonstrators – about informal traders operating along Hill Street in the Pinetown CBD –  were received by the police.

“A series of stakeholder engagements has been initiated to address the concerns raised and to provide clarity on the relevant processes.

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“On 9 April 2026, a meeting was held between affected traders and the acting Vispol Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mano Govender, and Vispol Support Officers. During the engagement, traders raised concerns about the perceived allocation of trading certificates to foreign nationals and not to citizens of South Africa. Their other concern was enforcement operations conducted by the eThekwini Metropolitan Police Department in the CBD, aimed at ensuring compliance with trading regulations.  The local traders feel that the members of the Metropolitan Police are turning a blind eye to illegal immigrants who don’t have a traders’ licence,” said Naidu.

Metro Police spokesperson, Colonel Victor Zungu,  said the metro police were not part of this engagement and that the “Metro Police Service will be represented once arrangements have been confirmed” for the planned meeting.

Naidu said during a follow-up engagement on April 15, clarity was sought from the eThekwini Municipality Business Support Unit, the department responsible for issuing trading licences.

“Preliminary feedback indicates that individuals who are legally present in the country and in possession of valid documentation may qualify for trading licences, in accordance with applicable municipal processes.

“It has further been clarified that the eThekwini Metropolitan Police Department do not issue trading licences and are not involved in the allocation process, but are responsible for enforcing compliance in line with municipal by-laws.

“In an effort to promote transparency and address all concerns, arrangements are currently underway for a joint meeting between the Business Support Unit and affected traders, Metropolitan Police and SAPS Pinetown. This engagement will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to seek clarity on the licensing process and receive information directly from the relevant authority,” said Naidu.

Zungu said the municipality’s Business Support Unit “has a plan to engage with the traders”.

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