The entire operation, executed by the Steve Tshwete Traffic Department, was focused on SADC and OR Tambo Street, where most of the illegal hawkers are concentrated.

To reclaim their impounded goods, the hawkers will have to pay a R300 fine, which escalates each time they are caught.

Serial offenders are later arrested for contravening the bylaws. No arrests were effected on Friday however.

The raid has been in planning for over a month, and hawkers were forewarned in the Middelburg Observer recently.

And on Tuesday, the municipality warned once again that the raids will continue for the duration of the festive season.

The step is necessary to ensure that legal traders, stick to their permit conditions, and illegal traders are rooted out.

It is important to control trading to ensure appropriate standards of health, and safety of motorists and pedestrians.

In parts of SADC Street, the entire sidewalk was packed with hawkers, forcing pedestrians into the street.

The sale of traditional medicines, such as roots and bark, is completely illegal and no permits will be issued for public trade.

Traditional medicines was by far the most contributing trade towards the municipal pound.

Another hazardous trade is the preparation of cooked food on sidewalks, which is also taboo.

Larger, marked stands, or parking for food trolleys or caravans, are allocated only after inspection by the fire department and health authorities.

The Hawkers Committee, comprising permitted hawkers, and the municipality have taken hands to stop the practice of illegal trade.

It means continual monitoring of illegal hawking in the CBD.