Residents of KuGompo City marched to address concerns about unlicensed foreign traders and community safety issues.
Residents in KuGompo City have called for stricter enforcement of municipal by-laws.
The concerns were raised during a march along Oxford Street in Buffalo City.
Protesters called for action against foreign traders operating without valid licences.
Gus Arends, a KuGompo City resident, said frustration was growing among communities.
He claimed some traders were operating without the required licences.
Arends also raised concerns about the sale of allegedly expired products.
He said these products were allegedly being sold to children.
Concerns over crime and drugs
Arends also linked the protests to wider concerns about crime.
He alleged that drug dealing was taking place in the Vikings area.
He claimed the activity continued throughout the day and night.
Arends questioned the visibility of police in the area.
He said residents wanted stronger intervention from law enforcement.
“We cannot tolerate this,” Arends said during the protest.
He warned that tensions could escalate if authorities failed to act.
Arends said similar concerns were affecting communities around Buffalo City.
Municipality says enforcement is underway
Luzuko Buku, spokesperson for the executive mayor, defended the city’s response.
Buku said multistakeholder teams were already enforcing the law.
These operations were being led by the South African Police Service.
The teams were also working to enforce municipal by-laws across the city.
Buku said authorities had already seen improvements in some areas.
He said several streets had become quieter following enforcement operations in KuGompo City.
Some businesses were also found to be operating outside legal requirements.
According to Buku, authorities forced several businesses to comply.
Others were reportedly closed after failing to meet the necessary requirements.
Municipality rejects claims of lawlessness
Buku said the city was working to restore law and order.
He acknowledged concerns surrounding foreign nationals operating businesses in Buffalo City.
However, he stressed that enforcement must follow existing laws.
The municipality’s response comes amid growing community frustration.
Residents continue to demand action against illegal trading and criminal activity.
The march highlights the tensions surrounding foreign-owned businesses in East London.
It also raises questions about enforcement and accountability across the city.
