Police swoop on Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) and city officials who arrived unannounced.
They ordered every hawker to produce papers.
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It’s turned out some business owners were flaunting fake permits to trade on the streets.
When they were done, illegal trailers were being towed, and hawkers were left scratching their heads.
The operation, sparked by Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, was designed to make sure anyone selling on the streets does it by the book.
Officials from Service Delivery Coordination (SDC), Economic Development and Building Control seized gas stoves and heavy-duty pots, tables, chairs, garden umbrellas and fruits.
Municipal dustbins that hawkers were using to hide and store their stock were also seized.
Food trailers that had hijacked the pavements were ordered to move before they were hauled off to the Kempton Park pound.
Cops have launched a massive probe to find the big fish behind the printing of these illegal documents.
“We are coming for the person issuing these fake trading permits,” warned an official.
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“Everyone must abide by the law, or they will lose their stock.”
The City of Ekurhuleni has warned they will continue raiding pavements to ensure compliance.
