It was emphasized this week during the Kimberley second-hand
goods work session that buying and selling stolen goods are illegal, punishable
by arrest, and can result in a criminal record. Ten compliance checks at scrap
metal merchants in the city were also carried out during the course of this
two-day session. The compliance check brought about fines issued to four dealers and warnings to two others for violating the Second-Hand Goods Act. Police also helped Transnet
carry out an eviction of a used-goods vendor who was using their property
illegally. Furthermore, four people were also detained after stop and searches and vehicle
patrols after stolen goods were found in they possesion. The session's goals,
according to police spokespersons Sergeant Timothy Sam and MJ Sheman, were to
help designated second-hand goods officers (DSOs) carry out their
responsibilities as effectively as possible, to resolve issues raised by the
provincial office, and to identify DSOs' own issues.
Journalist: Asathaba Grootboom
Email: asathabagrootboom2018@gmail.com