Four people were arrested and one Law Enforcement officer wounded during a raid at the Town Centre shopping mall in Mitchells Plain on Friday.
Frantic traders contacted the Daily Voice claiming their stock was being removed and that they had to flee after
rubber bullets were fired.
The City’s Law Enforcement team together with Metro Police and SAPS carried out a joint operation to search for illegal traders, drug peddlers, traffic contraventions and other criminal activity.
But as soon as the operation began, it descended into chaos.
TENSE: Town Centre
Law Enforcement spokesman Wayne Dyason says they had no choice but to use force after an officer was attacked and wounded by the rowdy crowd while traders claimed they were “manhandled”.
A fruit and veg seller, who asked not to be identified and who admits to trading illegally, says: “They shoved the huge gun by my face. They manhandled me and swore at me saying my p***.
“They took my stock such as peppers, potatoes, cauliflower and fruit.
“What else can I do to provide for my family when I cannot find a job?”
Dyason says among the issues they investigated were illegal trading and littering.
TENSE: Town Centre
“The officers encountered a violent response from some groups in the area,” he says.
“One Law Enforcement officer was attacked and sustained minor injuries and this prompted officers to use rubber bullets to restore order.
“One person was arrested for possession of drugs and three people were arrested for public violence.”
“Fines were also issued for illegal trading and several goods were impounded.”