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Mbhashe Local Municipality conducted a law enforcement operation in Dutywa on Tuesday targeting illegal trading activities.
Municipal officials carried out Operation Gqogqa as part of ongoing efforts to address unlawful businesses and protect community safety in the area.
During inspections, authorities found several shops selling expired food items, illicit cigarettes and alcohol without the required municipal licences.
What happened
According to Mbhashe Local Municipality, the Law Enforcement Unit led by Safety and Security Commander Lubabalo Mbelani conducted the operation in Dutywa on Tuesday.
Officials discovered that several shops were being operated by unregistered foreign nationals and were selling goods without valid municipal trading licences.
As a result of the enforcement operation:
- Five shops were closed for illegally selling alcohol.
- Three shops were fined for selling food without a valid municipal trading licence.
- Four foreign nationals were apprehended during the operation.
The individuals were taken to the Department of Home Affairs for further processing related to possible deportation procedures.
They are currently being held at Dutywa Police Station and are expected to appear in court.
Key details from the operation
Law enforcement officers also confiscated several items during the inspection operation.
Items seized included:
- 14 cases of beer
- 16 boxes of wine
- Approximately 100 packets of illicit cigarettes
- About 100 cubes of skin-whitening cream
- Expired food products, including maize meal (Tau brand)
Municipal officials said the goods were removed from circulation during the operation.
Why it matters
Municipal enforcement operations are aimed at ensuring businesses comply with trading regulations and public health standards.
Expired food products may pose health risks to consumers, while illegal alcohol sales and illicit cigarettes violate municipal and national regulations.
Authorities say these inspections also ensure that businesses operating within the municipality comply with licensing requirements.
What happens next
The four detained individuals remain in custody at Dutywa Police Station while authorities process their cases.
Immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs will handle further procedures regarding their legal status.
Municipal officials indicated that similar law enforcement operations may continue in the municipality to address illegal trading activities.
