Durban – Metro police officers were in Ngcuce Road in Durban on Sunday, a popular street traders’ site, to conduct an operation on by-law infringements.
Sunday is associated with street trading in Durban, especially in the Greyville area, where it is estimated that thousands of rand change hands between buyers and sellers.
In the morning some traders were seen moving their items from street pavements to nearby shops in an apparent bid to evade law-enforcement officers.
“The day is going to be really tough given how they are patrolling the neighbourhood,” said one trader while collecting items.
Metro officers, who were travelling in a branded minibus, were seen talking to traders, asking whether they were trading legally and asking for trading licences as proof.
Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said Sunday’s clampdown was part of the city’s law and order strategy, which was in line with ensuring that the city was able to accommodate business operators and visitors.
“At all times the municipality by-laws must be adhered to, because they were formulated to ensure that there is law and order, and for the city to be user friendly to those working and visiting it,” Mayisela said.
He added that the city understood that traders wanted to operate in order to earn a living, but stressed that this has to be done in accordance with the law.
“The clampdown is not by any means a form of hostility towards traders, but is simply meant to ensure order in the city,” the spokesperson concluded.
EThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda recently said the city wants to see more entrepreneurs operating, but stressed that this has to be done legally.