Four undocumented foreign nationals were arrested and four businesses were shut down in eZimbokodweni, Durban, during a law enforcement operation aimed at enforcing municipal bylaws and immigration regulations.
Image: Supplied
Four undocumented foreign nationals were arrested and four businesses were shut down during a law enforcement operation in eZimbokodweni, south of Durban, after officials found the establishments operating illegally.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday by eThekwini Municipality in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS)and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), targeted businesses suspected of violating municipal bylaws and immigration regulations.
According to the Municipality, officials inspected several trading premises in the area and discovered that four businesses were operating without the required compliance certificates, business licences, and health permits.
“The operation resulted in the immediate closure of four businesses found to be operating in contravention of municipal regulations,” the municipality said in a statement on Thursday.
Authorities also established that the operators of the affected businesses did not possess valid documentation allowing them to reside or work in South Africa.
“SAPS officials subsequently detained the individuals for further investigation and immigration processing,” the statement read.
Following the eZimbokodweni raid, law enforcement teams shifted their focus to Athlone Park on Thursday, where inspections and compliance audits continued.
The municipality said the multi-agency initiative was aimed at strengthening compliance with municipal bylaws, enhancing public safety, and verifying the legal status of business operators across the city.
“The high-visibility operation remains active in Athlone Park today, with enforcement teams continuing to audit businesses, verify trading documentation, and inspect premises for compliance with health and safety standards,” the Municipality said.
The municipality reiterated its “zero-tolerance approach to illegal trading and undocumented immigration” and warned business owners operating outside the law that they could face closure, fines, or prosecution.
“Business owners are urged to regularise their operations by obtaining the necessary permits and approvals from the municipality to avoid closure, fines, or possible prosecution,” the City said.
The municipality also commended the collaboration between SAPS and EDTEA, saying the joint operations were helping to “promote compliance and restore law and order” in affected communities.
For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY