Illegal trolley trade linked to violence in Polokwane CBD

POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Community Policing Forum (CPF) has raised concerns over the dangerous activities linked to the use of illegally obtained trolleys in the city, particularly in the central business district (CBD).

Despite previous efforts by municipal by-law enforcers and the CPF to confiscate trolleys stolen from shopping outlets, illegal operators continue to use them to transport goods for customers for small fees, usually up to R50.

“Often, men wait for customers carrying heavy items at supermarket entrances and offer to carry them for a fee using the trolleys. Disputes over ownership and rental rights, however, frequently escalate into violence,” said CPF chairperson Rudolph Phaswana.

Recent reports highlight the severity of the problem. Last Wednesday, two men argued over a trolley on Church Street in the CBD, which escalated into a stabbing.

Read more: Man stabbed to death in Polokwane CBD over alleged trolley dispute

“The suspect stabbed the victim with a sharp object before fleeing. The victim collapsed and later died,” said provincial police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba.

In a separate CBD incident, a 28-year-old man was arrested following the discovery of an unidentified male body at the corner of Rissik Street last Friday morning.

Read more: Two murders in a week shake the Polokwane CBD

The circumstances leading to the death remain unclear. A murder docket was opened. The suspect was later apprehended in Moletjie and shot by police after apparently attempting to stab an officer. Two additional suspects remained at large.

The Independent Police Directorate (IPID) has been notified for further investigation.

Phaswana warned supermarket customers to exercise caution when engaging the services of so-called ‘trolley men’, noting that while the practice may seem convenient, it could be illegal if the store chooses to take legal action.