Staff Photographer
There are dark and dangerous forces at work in the second-hand book industry that the Second Hand Goods Act hopes to destroy. South Africans have been oblivious of the growing threat of these unknown bands of criminals, who have been breaking into homes and stealing novels by illustrious authors such as Danielle Steel, Robert Ludlum, Wilbur Smith and John Grisham. The novels are fenced through second-hand book dealers, often rewarded by as much as R10 a book. Grisham in particular attracts a hefty resale price tag.
Customers of second-hand book stores need to be aware that the friendly old man managing their local outlet could be a kingpin. The manager of a book store in a family-oriented shopping centre in the heart of Sandton (who asked not to be named) said that the tentacles of this syndicate are even wider spread than one realises, with supposedly legitimate charities such as the Cancer Association and Hospice involved. These organisations receive books laundered through second-hand book stores which are resold as “clean” items in their charity book stores.
One customer interviewed was shocked and surprised at these allegations and wondered if SAA crew may not be involved. With all the focus on finding their drug stashes, who was questioning the books they were carrying on board for “recreational” purposes? This raises questions about whether this could, in fact, be a global syndicate at work.
However, South Africa’s legislators are taking drastic action and book dealers are required to submit to the Second Hand Goods Act, which was published on April 1 2009. As with all second-hand dealers, the bookstore owner will be required to register as a dealer through the national commissioner of the South African Police Service. The prescribed certificate of Âregistration must be displayed in a prominent place and be visible.
Book dealers, who are not able to pull the wool over authorities’ eyes by requesting to be exempt from the Act, will be required to register the details of every seller and buyer in their store. These details must include the person’s full name, contact address and telephone number. The person’s identity number, as well as how the identity was verified, must be recorded, with a description of the book and distinguishing features. The name and signature of the person who conducts the transaction on behalf of the dealer must be recorded with the date and time of the transaction. Buying a second-hand book will become as onerous as opening a bank account.
It is expected that the regulations will have a significant impact on second-hand dealers who agree that crime or business will no longer pay and they will just have to close shop.