Inspections were carried out by the eThekwini Municipality at illegal tuckshops in uMlazi. The police arrested five undocumented foreign nationals and seized a significant amount of expired food.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
Five undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested and a haul of expired food seized as eThekwini Municipality intensified its crackdown on non-compliant tuckshops in uMlazi this week.
The three-day multi-disciplinary operation, which concluded on Wednesday, saw 34 spaza shops inspected by a joint team comprising the Durban Metro Police, SAPS, and the City’s Environmental Health and Business Licensing divisions. The initiative focused on enforcing municipal by-laws and "safeguarding public health" through strict food safety and hygiene checks.
The inspections revealed a staggering level of non-compliance across various sections of the township. On Monday, officials visited 14 tuckshops in the K and H sections, where they found that not a single business possessed a valid licence.
This led to the issuance of one fine and one summons specifically for "dirty conditions," while several other warnings were handed out to traders.
The operation continued in the Q and U sections on Tuesday, where another 12 tuckshops were inspected. Again, zero valid licences were found among the businesses inspected. Environmental Health Practitioners have since scheduled follow-up inspections to ensure that "corrective action" is taken by the shop owners.
During the final phase of the operation on Wednesday, the focus shifted to the T and B sections. Out of eight tuckshops inspected, seven were found to be unlicensed, while only one had a pending application. Officials issued two fines and further summonses for "expired foodstuffs," which were immediately confiscated to prevent them from being sold to the public.
Beyond licensing issues, the inspections uncovered illegal electricity connections at several premises. "The inspections also uncovered illegal electricity connections at some premises, posing additional safety risks," the Municipality stated.
The City further warned that it will not hesitate to act against those flouting the law. "The City warned that it will not tolerate non-compliance, particularly where public health and safety are compromised," the statement read.
Five undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during the inspections at illegal tuckshops in Umlazi.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
The Municipality emphasised that these joint operations reflect a firm commitment to "protecting residents, enforcing compliance, and ensuring that businesses operate within the confines of the law." Similar operations are expected to be rolled out across other communities as the City strengthens law enforcement and "promotes responsible and compliant business practices."
Traders are urged to formalise their operations to prevent further legal action. "Trading without valid licences is an offence under the Business Licensing Act 71 of 1991," the City noted.
Owners seeking to apply for or renew licenses are advised to visit the Business Licensing Division at 199 Anton Lembede Street, Embassy Building, or contact the City directly at 031 311 4535.
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