Michael Sakuneka

Michael Sakuneka

Hundreds of street vendors in Tzaneen, Limpopo, have warned the local municipality to return their goods confiscated a year ago or else they will consider taking legal action.

The goods were confiscated in a raid in the central business district after allegations that the vendors operated without permits.

Some of them said their goods, which included groceries, fruit and vegetables, had become rotten after they were kept in a non-refrigerated storeroom.

Those whose goods had not been damaged were told they would be returned to them.

"We have waited patiently for the compensation or return of our goods for more than a year now," said one disgruntled vendor.

The hawkers also called on the municipality to repair their stalls.

They said every time they went to the municipal offices to ask for their goods, or compensation, they were told to wait.

"We have been patient for long and now we hope it's time for the municipality to pay up or we will seek legal intervention," the vendor said.

Tzaneen municipal manager Mabakane Mangena said the vendors should be patient "because there are other processes which need to be followed".