Roosevelt Park’s informal traders dispersed

Community members were in two minds about informal traders being removed from their location on the Beyers Naudé and Preller Drive intersection.

SCP Security together with the Metro police and the South African Police Service shut down the illegal shopfront on 7 December. Prior to the shutdown, plants were sold as well as large dividers made from tree branches.

According to SCP Security director, Clive Maher, they did not initiate the operation but rather assisted police and Metro police with their operation. He added that although some residents and passersby did not agree with the removal, it should be kept in mind that bylaws exist to govern the country.

“We cannot afford to become a lawless state. Laws are in place to ensure fairness and protection,” Maher explained.

 

He said he saw comments on a Facebook post about the removal asking why Metro police were removing the vendors instead of trolley pushers who are said to disturb traffic, as well as window washers who intimidate motorists.

“It’s quite simple – JMPD and the Saps simply don’t have the resources to tackle every problem in one shot but at least they are attending to the bylaw enforcement,” Maher explained.

Some community members were outraged by the removal, stating that it does not affect motorists or residents. They argued that the traders were trying to make a living to support their families.

Others welcomed the removal stating that regulations exist for a reason and that some traders allegedly sell drugs, litter and are an eyesore.

Maher said that the traders they removed were given prior warning to remove their illegal operation from the intersection. He said Metro police showed up a month or two later and cleared the site.

Metro police Chief Superintendent, Wayne Minnaar, said cracking down on illegal trading is part of their festive season plan. He said they will be carrying out more such operations during the festive season.

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