More accusations of traffic officer aggressiveness have surfaced following an incident on Wednesday morning where a sidewalk fruit vendor was forcibly removed from the corner of Lilian Ngoyi and Sering Streets in Kanonkop.

A passer-by captured the incident on video and stated that officers were ‘aggressive and shouted at the man for no reason’ as his goods were packed up within minutes.

The vendor was identified as Welkom resident, Rian Griesel. He was selling watermelons, litchis and mangoes.

“I’ve applied seven months ago for a permit but with absolutely no assistance from the traffic department. They gave us a really difficult time and refused to give back my goods later during the day. Officers insisted I come back the next morning, but I live in Welkom and can’t afford to spend the night in a hotel or guesthouse. They were totally unreasonable and very, very rude”, he said.

An officer at the scene stated that the incident was part of the implementation of by-law operations conducted throughout town on Wednesday.

He said that many other street vendors and illegal hawkers operating without a permit in non-designated areas were also forcibly removed.

Goods are usually confiscated until a fine, ranging from about R700 upwards, is paid at the department offices.

Accusations that the man and his wife were ‘pushed around’ could not be independently confirmed.