JANE FURSE
With most local municipalities having demolished illegal hawker stalls structures in their respective towns, this publication inquired with the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) on whether they will follow the same route in Jane Furse.
The inquiries were exacerbated after several community members in Jane Furse complained that some of the hawkers’ shacks, are a haven for criminals.
According to residents, some of the illegal structures are occupied by undocumented foreigners, who are allegedly selling drugs inside the shacks. Community members alleged criminals also hide inside the shacks and rob them at night.
“We plead with the MLM to intervene and erect proper stalls that will be regulated, and managed by the municipality” said community member Frans Matlala.
According to the locals, some foreigners are allegedly selling a wide range of illicit substances, ranging from hard narcotics, drugs, counterfeit medicines and many more items.
Residents added, “If the MLM built proper stalls, they won’t be occupied by undocumented foreigners and this will stop locals from erecting shacks in the CBD. This can reduce crime and drug abuse in the Jane Furse area.”
Limpopo SAPS officers were alerted by this publication with regards to the allegations raised by community members.
The paper also inquired with the MLM about chances of the municipality erecting hawker stalls in the Jane Furse area and also demolishing those suspected of criminal elements.
The MLM spokesperson Thomas Mashabela was yet to comment at the time of going to press.
Updates will be provided, when the municipality respond.