AbaQulusi cracks down on illegal trade in Vryheid and eMondlo
AbaQulusi authorities arrested 16 illegal immigrants and seized expired and counterfeit goods during compliance operations.
AbaQulusi Local Municipality, together with several law enforcement and government agencies, recently conducted two compliance operations aimed at tackling illegal trade and protecting consumers.
Vryheid CBD businesses inspected
The first operation took place in the Vryheid CBD, where officials inspected various businesses to ensure that they complied with the relevant legislation.
The joint operation included AbaQulusi Public Safety; the South African Police Service (SAPS); Immigration Enforcement; Zululand District Municipal Health Services; the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs (EDTEA); and other enforcement partners.
During the inspections, officials checked business and immigration documentation, examined products on sale, and searched for counterfeit and illicit goods.
They also assessed whether businesses met the required health and safety standards.
Unhygienic conditions found at businesses
Several businesses were found to be operating under unhygienic conditions, particularly those involved in the sale and preparation of food.
Arrests were made during the operation.
16 illegal immigrants arrested in eMondlo
A second compliance operation was carried out in eMondlo, where authorities intensified efforts to get rid of illegal trade and to protect consumers.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 16 illegal immigrants, with officials seizing a variety of expired, counterfeit and illicit products that were allegedly being sold to members of the public.
The eMondlo operation was conducted by the SAPS, AbaQulusi Public Safety, Immigration Enforcement, Zululand District Municipal Health Services, AbaQulusi Fire Services, EDTEA and the March and March movement.
Municipality vows to continue crackdown
According to AbaQulusi Local Municipality, the compliance operations form part of an ongoing campaign to ensure that businesses operate within the law, while safeguarding residents from unsafe and illegal products.
The municipality said the successful operations demonstrate its zero-tolerance approach to counterfeit goods and illegal trade.
It added that similar multiagency compliance operations will continue across the municipality as authorities work together to enforce the law, protect consumers and promote a safe trading environment.
The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
