WATCH: Booysens SAPS routine compliance at the second-hand goods dealers
Crimes like hijackings are very prevalent in Booysens precinct.
Booysens SAPS embarked on a series of workshops about routine compliance at the second-hand goods dealers.
These public meetings were held from November 13 and 16 at Booysens Boxing Club.
Designated second-hand dealer officer, Sgt Mike Mongwe facilitated the proceedings.
On November 13, pawns shops, cellphone dealers, electronic repairs dealers, and scrap metal dealers were addressed while on November 16 it was car dealers, car parts, and panel beaters.
Mongwe said the purpose of these meetings was to forge a working relationship with all the stakeholders in fighting and preventing crime in Booysens precinct.
“It is important that we work together in preventing crime. Compliancy is very important in these businesses. Non-compliance can be either an offence or contravening the Second-hand Goods Act, and an arrest or fine can be administered to whoever transgresses,” he said.
Crimes like hijackings are very prevalent in Booysens precinct and Mongwe explained that car dealers especially are in the crucial category.
“Currently at Booysens we have the highest number of criminal acts around motor vehicles. I’m talking about theft of motor vehicle and hijacking. Only on Friday (November 13), we had four hijackings in Turffontein.
“Remember in hijackings you have threats of life, they can kill you and they take the car. After hijacking, criminals strip the car and they sell the parts to you dealers, hence I am emphasising the importance of compliance,” explained Mongwe.
He mentioned that all dealers need to get their houses in order as the SAPS will be enforcing all the laws and routine check-ups will be frequent in the area.
“If you are caught selling stolen goods, you will be arrested and that it why it is important for all dealers to follow and have compliance inspection checklist in their businesses,” said Mongwe.
