30 January, 2003

Press Release

JOBURG ONLY ACTING AGAINST ILLEGAL TRADERS

Joburg will continue with the removal of illegal traders and confiscation of goods in terms of its bylaws, the Informal Business Forum was told yesterday at its monthly meeting with Council officials.

The forum which is chaired by Clr Cowan, is also attended by Metro Police, Corporate Planning and the Market Trading Company.

''The bylaws are not negotiable and we will act against any business in contravention of those laws', said Deputy Director Gernicke of the Metro Police.

Free booklets in English, Zulu and Sotho explaining the street trading bylaws were distributed to the IBF to give to their members.

Clr Cowan said the recent operations against informal traders was only directed against illegal traders. He further said, 'It is not Council's intention to displace legal traders and those affected by the operations can resume trading immediately'.

In reply to allegations from trader representatives about Metro police involvement in theft of traders goods, Gernicke said, 'We will act swiftly against any officer involved in criminal activity'. He further said that a register of confiscated goods was kept and a receipt issued to the trader in order to claim goods back.

Gernicke informed the meeting of joint efforts with the Department of Trade and Industry was also acting against sellers of fake goods.

The meeting also agreed that all parties would work together to combating crime amongst traders and preventing trading in restricted areas.

ENDS.

For more information contact
Virgil James
Tel; 407 7226
Fax; 403 3494
Or visit our website www.joburg.org.za