No shady dealings for second hand dealers

With the festive season rapidly approaching, second-hand dealers were encouraged to ensure all transactions were above board.

During a second-hand forum meeting held on Wednesday at the Newcastle Club, Captain Jerry Lutchman from the Firearms, Liquor and Second Hand Goods (FLASH) unit said there would be several police operations within the next two months.

“It isn’t something bad; it is that time of the year and there is a need for more police visibility. Be careful what you buy and sell,” he cautioned.

He said operations would be conducted in conjunction with representatives from Home Affairs, South African Revenue Services, as well as the Department of Health and Safety to ensure legal compliance of second-hand dealerships.

It was brought to the attention of the forum that buying goods from a spouse who was in the process of getting a divorce, was problematic when the spouse would sell items to second-hand dealers without the knowledge of the other spouse.

Captain Lutchman said while it was still a legal transaction to purchase items from the legal owner, police would not open a case, but dealers were encouraged to use their discretion and contact the seller’s spouse to ensure the sale could go ahead.

“Sometimes discretion can save you the world of trouble,” he said.

Regarding dealerships dealing in second-hand motor vehicles, it was noted they showed little participation during the course of 2015.

Last Wednesday’s meeting was the last for the year and meetings will resume on 27 January 2016 at 10am, Newcastle Club.