Armed gang targets city’s hawkers
According to one hawker, street sellers and informal shop owners can expect a visit from the gang every morning between 07:00 and 09:00.
A gang of thugs, armed with knives and pangas, who is terrorising city hawkers has become such a threat that traders can pre-empt when they arrive at their stalls, and then give in to their demands without arguing.
According to one hawker, street sellers and informal shop owners can expect a visit from the gang every morning between 07:00 and 09:00.
“They demand money from us. Shop owners along Bok, Paul Kruger, Church and Market streets have no choice but to hand over their hard-earned cash out of fear of being killed.”
According to him the group consists of local young people who are mainly from Seshego, Moletjie and Mankweng.
“We all know these boys. We know what they look like, what they wear and even where they are from. The problem is we can’t stand up to them because they are violent and are armed and ready to fight. They will walk in and ask for money and we have no option but to give them the money they ask for.”
He says that they have tried calling 10111, but the police always arrive after they have left and refuse to open a case. He says they are told to simply call again the next time they arrive.
“These robberies occur in daylight in full view of our customers, some of them never return because of what they witness. It is worse on Sunday mornings because it is not busy in town.”
The man says it is demotivating to call the police everyday and not receive assistance. “They always come after an hour or two which does not make sense because the station is only a few blocks away.”
Polokwane Station Commander, Brig Gift Makhubele confirmed that the station has received complaints from hawkers in the area and that officers were posted along the area to increase visibility.
“Two people were arrested last week in connection with the situation, but unfortunately they had to be released because no formal case had been opened. Those with complaints that police officers refuse to open cases, should come speak to me directly and I will engage them.”
He says if a case can be opened and there is only an arrest at a later stage, a viewing parade can indeed be held to identify and link the suspects.
Makhubele has agreed to meet with the hawkers to discuss the way forward.
