THREE businesses were forced to shut down in Wentworth and Merebank following a police sting operation targeting unlicensed spaza shops and illegal traders recently.

The joint operation focused on spaza shops and other businesses selling expired goods. The operation started at a local wholesaler located in Rajmahal Road.

The police found illicit cigarettes and expired food stuff. The business was closed and the owner was issued was fined by Metro police for operating without a valid license and selling expired goods displayed on shelves.

This was a joint operation between Wentworth police and other stakeholders.

Wentworth police spokesperson, Captain Mbuso Gumede, said the operation started in Merebank where illicit cigarettes, expired cold drinks, sweets and tinned foods. Many products were confiscated.

“The items were loaded onto the Durban Solid Waste truck and crushed into pieces on the spot. The business summarily closed and the owner was issued with a fine by Metro for operating without a valid license, selling of expired items,” said Gumede.

Police seize illicit cigarettes worth over R70 000

The operation continued to Clinic Road in Wentworth. Upon conducting an inspection at another business, the police found expired tinned foodstuff, sweets, lollipops, and munches.

“Some of the tinned stuff was damaged and not suitable for human consumption. In addition to this, the shop was found to be in an unhygienic condition. It was also established that the evacuation space was not up to the required standards, therefore the health department intervened. The shop was issued with a fine and closed,” he said.

“The police conducted an inspection of another business at the K1 Shopping Centre where illicit cigarettes to the value of R 70, 000 were confiscated,” said Gumede.

Police vow to intensify operations aimed at enforcing bylaws

Wentworth station commander, Colonel Sinayo Mtshali, applauded the police and other role-players for acting swiftly in implementing municipal bylaws.

“They did excellent work. We are pleased to see different stakeholders working together and achieving successes. The police will continue conducting such operations in the area. Those businesses found selling expired products and operating without valid permits will be charged and closed down,” said Mtshali.

Vispol Commander Lieutenant Colonel Clive Myburg who was the operation commander, warned the owners of spaza shops about selling expired food. Myburg urged all the businesses to adhere to health and safety regulations and municipal bylaws.

Gumede added, “The police will continue conducting unannounced operations of the businesses in our policing precinct.”

Joining the operation was:

• Umlazi K9 police unit
• Metro police
• Safer cities
• Area Based Management
• Business support
• Environmental business
• Business licenses
• Immigration Department
• Metro electricity
• Department of Health
• ADT company
• Durban Solid Waste
• Fire Department.

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