04 Feb 2018

Serowe police will penalise hawkers who continue to illegally sell food in public areas, says police station commander Superintendent Molefhe Molefhe.

Superintendent Molefhe was speaking at a consultative meeting at Lady Khama Sanctuary recently, which had brought together hawkers, the council leadership, councillors and the police to address issues of concern.

Hawkers in Serowe had stated that they were not happy with the poor consultation and conduct displayed by the Serowe Administrative Authority bye-law enforcement officers during the festive season by raiding their operations.

However, in response to some grievances of humiliation and alleged misconduct leveled against the police and bye-law enforcement officers during the operation, Mr Molefhe said it was inappropriate for such officers to conduct themselves in such a manner.

He said he had never received any complaints about misconduct displayed by any of his officers concerning the operation, but advised all those who felt they were ill-treated to report such matters to his office.

“As police officers we implement the law, we are not law makers. Until such act is reviewed, we will continue to arrest hawkers who cook and sell food in malls and along the road sides as this is illegal and poses health hazards,” he said.

He said the Trade Act prescribed that no person shall carry on any trade or business for which a licence was required under this act unless the person holds a licence authorising him to carry such trade or business.

Such persons shall be liable to a fine not exceeding P1 000.

Hawkers chairperson, Mr Motalaote Peter said they were upset at the way the officials conducted themselves during the raid, saying there had never been any consultation with them to vacate their areas of operation.

Mr Motalaote said bye-law officers accompanied by the police raided vendors and confiscated their goods ranging from gas cylinders, frying equipment and chairs.

He said he was appalled at the use of vulgar words by the officials during the operation.

He, however, pleaded with the council to consider amending bye-law regulations to accommodate them.

“The money we get from our businesses is small, as such we are unable to satisfy the current recommended conditions under which the micro and small businesses may be registered to operate both in residential and temporary shelters,” he said.

“We are unemployed but we still need to maintain our families. We ask government to allow us to create and venture into our own employment opportunities by allowing us to operate while consultations are ongoing,” he said.

For his part, Serowe Administrative Authority chairperson, Mr Mpho Kooreme also advised that it was necessary for public officers to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner while conducting their duties.

He said the need to amend the bye-law would be tabled at the upcoming Central District Council, adding that they would also seek advice from the council in mapping a way forward. ENDS