Street vendors in eThekwini, organized under the Alkebu Social Movement, have submitted a memorandum of demands to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in Durban, alleging ongoing abuse and intimidation by police officers.
The handover took place at IPID’s offices in the Durban CBD, where the deputy director of investigations, Len John, received the document on behalf of the watchdog body. Len John stated that IPID would now convene a committee to review the memorandum, discuss its contents, and assess any evidence presented to determine the next steps and whether the allegations fall within their mandate for investigation.
The Alkebu Social Movement’s chairperson, referred to as Sihle Danisa in the interaction, outlined the group’s primary grievances during the engagement. Vendors claim they have faced repeated intimidation, unlawful confiscation of goods, and physical assaults by metro police officers. Danisa highlighted that multiple trader groups have approached the movement with complaints, supported by video footage and photographs showing police officers assaulting individuals, including women. The evidence reportedly includes identifiable officers, instances of xenophobic language, and clear depictions of assaults.
According to Danisa, the vendors possess valid trading permits, yet police have confiscated these documents and goods under restrictive conditions. Traders are reportedly not allowed to leave their vending spots even briefly—for example, to use the bathroom—without risking the seizure of their stalls or merchandise. In cases where vendors challenge confiscations or seek the return of their items, they are allegedly told to pay fines or “warrants” amounting to over R18,000.
The memorandum calls for forensic investigations into these incidents, which the group argues cannot be reliably conducted by the police themselves. Danisa noted that the movement had initially considered marching directly to police headquarters but was advised by certain police captains to approach IPID first. The demands extend beyond eThekwini, with reports of similar issues in other metros prompting a call for broader intervention.
Danisa also raised suspicions of connections between business support officials and metro police, suggesting that some confiscated vending spots may be handed over to “ghost members” associated with those officials, effectively pushing legitimate traders aside.
The Alkebu Social Movement has already intervened in at least one related court case and is pursuing additional avenues, including requests for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to get involved, as well as engagements with the Public Protector and the South African Human Rights Commission. They have submitted written requests to the presidency for intervention and continue to gather evidence from affected traders.
The submission to IPID represents a key step for the vendors in seeking accountability and protection to conduct their trade without fear of harassment, unlawful seizures, or violence. IPID has indicated it will examine whether the presented material—including videos, photos, and other evidence—provides sufficient grounds to proceed with formal probes into alleged corruption, intimidation, or assault by officers.