Goods were confiscated during a mayoral outreach compliance operation conducted in Winnie Mandela Park on February 19.

The initiative, led by the executive mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, forms part of a broader programme aimed at promoting compliance among businesses selling perishable food and prepared meals.

The operation was carried out on Madiba Drive in Winnie Mandela, Thembisa, by officers from the EMPD’s By-Law and Enforcement Unit, together with officials from Service Delivery Coordination (SDC), Economic Development, and City Planning and Building Control.

During the inspection, various goods and equipment deemed to be used illegally were confiscated.

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These included cooking utensils, gas stoves, tables, chairs, municipal dustbins allegedly used for storage, garden umbrellas, as well as fruits and vegetables.

A trailer operator found selling food illegally on the sidewalk was also instructed to remove the structure.

The trailer, along with the confiscated goods, was impounded and taken to the Kempton Park pound.

Authorities further discovered that some hawkers were allegedly operating with fraudulent trading permits. Investigations are currently underway to identify those responsible for issuing the fake permits.

The City indicated that similar compliance operations will continue across Ekurhuleni to ensure that all businesses adhere to municipal by-laws.