City Clamps Down on Land Invaders and Illegal Trading at Intersections

Members of the City's Anti-Land Invasion Unit conducted a counter spoliation and crime prevention operation in the Van Riebeeckshof Nature Reserve, Bellville. In a parking area in the vicinity the Unit confiscated alcohol and dagga and issued fines for Drinking in Public to the value of R1 000. Three illegal structures in the Van Riebeeckshof Nature Reserve were demolished and all confiscated goods were booked in at the Durbanville Police Station.

The City's Informal Trading Unit focused on illegal trading at intersections on the N1. Its members, assisted by the SAPS and a private security company, confiscated rugby flags, flag poles, rugby jerseys, cell-phone chargers and other trading items that were illegally sold. Trading at intersections poses a serious threat to the safety of vehicular traffic and pedestrians.

Rudolf Wiltshire, Chief: Specialised Services, said: "The Informal Trading Unit will focus in this month on illegal trading at intersections and encroachment on sidewalks by formal businesses in order to ensure compliance with the City's by-laws and make the sidewalks and intersections safer for pedestrians.

Wiltshire said his office is inundated with complaints relating to trading at intersections and on sidewalks. He is optimistic that the City will be able to eradicate intersection trading before the 2010 Soccer World Cup commences. An additional 30 Law Enforcement Officers will be appointed soon to strengthen the Informal Trading Section in order to apply enforcement across the city concurrently. "Our members will have a 'zero tolerance' approach to those that violate any type of City by-law, "he warned.

Intensified enforcement is currently underway to combat illegal advertising on all streets and open spaces. Any advertising material, including illegal A-frame bill boards, caravans and furniture will be impounded and the offenders will be liable to a fine of R1000. Habitual offenders will be summoned directly to court where the magistrate may impose a higher fine. Illegal containers will also be confiscated and perpetrators will be liable for the removal cost and failure to collect containers may result in them being sold on auction.

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Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town