KwaDukuza Municipality working closely with KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs – Business Regulations Unit, coordinated a multi law enforcement agencies operation/blitz under the auspices of quarterly KDM EDP – Development Enforcement Bylaws Enforcement Blitz Programme.
The enforcement blitz took place on 29 April 2021 and 30 April 2021, and the following agencies formed part of this operation:
- KZN Department of Economic Development & Tourism (Business Regulations Unit),
- SARS Customs Unit,
- Department of Home Affairs – Immigration Unit,
- KZN Liquor Authority,
- ILembe District Municipality – Environmental Health Unit,
- KDM Community Safety Units (Crime Prevention, Traffic and Fire and Emergencies),
- KDM Economic Development and Planning Units (Development Enforcement, Building Inspectorate, Business Licensing and Outdoor Advertisement),
- South African Police Services,
- Office of the Lower Tugela Sheriff,
- Tracker local agent – Hawks Security.
This operation focused on dealing with non-compliance of building regulations, protecting our country’s revenue base by removing counterfeit goods and illegal immigrants.
The operations also focused on dealing with infringement of municipal bylaws, enforcement of the Road Traffic act and criminal activities.
KwaDukuza Mayor, Cllr Dolly Govender, during her address on 30 April 2021 to the law enforcement officers, said, “KwaDukuza Municipality appreciates the ongoing collaboration between all state law agencies and the Municipality in fighting crime and non-compliance with the municipal bylaws. As KwaDukuza Council, we would like to see these operations taking place every month or even every week to ensure that KwaDukuza is a safe area to do business, live or visit.”
She further said the Municipality would continue to support the Development Enforcement Unit and Community Safety Unit in their joint law enforcement blitz to ensure respect for the rule of law and adherence to municipal bylaws by everybody.
The operation yielded the following results:
Imported Vehicles Impounded:
On the first day of the operation, four imported vehicles were impounded for reasons as stated below:
- Nissan March: Detained for proof of ownership and valid license disk
- Toyota Ipsum: Detained for proof of ownership
- VW Touran: Found driven by Asylum seeker and detained for proof of ownership.
- Honda CRV: Detained for proof of ownership.
Immigration Act 13/2002 -Arrest of Illegal Immigrants
A total of fourteen illegal immigrants were arrested, as they did not have valid documentation allowing them into the country. Of the fourteen, nine were arrested in King Shaka Street at the Jam Clothing building; three were arrested at the corner of Mahatma Gandhi and King Shaka Street, where there are ongoing illegal repairs to vehicles taking place. Two were arrested working in a clothing shop in Yusuf Suleman Street. The owner of the shop was also arrested for employing illegal foreign nationals without any documentation. All 14 were arrested, charged, and detained at the KwaDukuza SAPS and will appear in court.
Drugs Recovered
During the operation, drugs were recovered in three different areas. The first was 134 grams of Dagga in King Shaka street, the second was 160 grams of dagga, and the third was 60 grams of dagga. The total weight was 354 grams with a street value of R 5897. These drugs were taken to the KwaDukuza SAPS and booked in the SAP13.
Seized Counterfeit Goods in terms of Counterfeit Goods Act
Goods were seized from three different establishments within the CBD of KwaDukuza. The first two seizures relate to 194 cartons of cigarettes to the value of R 67 710. The owners could not provide any proof of payment for these goods, which resulted in them being seized.
The second seizure relates to Branded goods (clothing, shoes, bags, etc.) suspected of being counterfeit goods to the value of R 300 000. It was taken and Booked in the Customs State Warehouse Cao Creek pending Counterfeit processes to be followed.
Road Traffic Offences
There were 31 notices issued for various road traffic violations.
Arrests for Other Offences
A total of seven arrests were made for the following:
- Contravening a court order (Mahatma Gandhi Street): 3
- Possession of drugs: 2
- Possession of stolen copper cable: 1
- Possession of an illegal weapon (Okapi): 1
Contravention of the Business Act
During the operation, a total of 30-retail establishments were visited for compliance checks. Of the 30, 21 were operating without a Business License; two businesses were closed for gross non-compliance of various legislation. In addition, two shops were found to be selling expired goods, which were confiscated, and seven street traders were found to be selling expired goods and to be trading without the necessary permit.
All transgressions were documented and will be followed up in due course to ensure compliance with the Business Act.
Contravention of the Foodstuff, Disinfectant and Cosmetic Act
Ten shops were checked for Environmental Health compliance. Three shops were found to be in violation of the Foodstuff, Disinfectant and Cosmetics Act, Act 54/1972 by selling prohibited goods, i.e. (skin lightening creams and the likes). These were confiscated by the Department concerned.
Contravention of the Disaster Management Act
According to the KwaDukuza Municipality, during the operation, officials were shocked at the non-compliance with the Disaster Management Act regarding social distancing, sanitisation at entry, etc.
The following transgressions were noted with concern:
- No entrance sanitisation: Nine shops
- No controls in place: 10 shops
- No face masks for employees: Eight shops
- No screening facilities: 14 shops
- No compliance officer: 13 shops
The owners of the offending shops were reprimanded accordingly. Furthermore, these retail outlets will be monitored and revisited to ensure compliance.
Contravention of Fire Safety Requirements
There were 20 retail establishments inspected for fire compliance. Five shops failed to make provisions for firefighting equipment, and five failed to provide proper escape routes and signages. Notices were accordingly served on the respective owners. These properties will be monitored closely for further compliance inspections.
Contravention of the National Building Regulations
There were 30 buildings inspected during the operation. Some of the buildings were found to be in a state of dilapidation and decay. Notices will be served to the owners of these offending properties who are in contravention of the National Building Regulations and Problem Building Bylaws.
Twenty-two buildings required as-built plans. Six were found to have illegal building works on it. These buildings will also be served with the necessary notices for compliance in terms of the Problem building Bylaws and will be monitored closely to ensure compliance.
Contravention of the Liquor Act
During the operation, there were five liquor establishments visited to check for compliance with the Liquor Act.
Two establishments were found to be compliant and operating according to the approvals granted. Two establishments were found to be illegal. The first establishment found to be unlawful resulted in 25 710 litres of alcohol being seized. The owner was issued a fine of R1000 and charged at the local SAPS for the illegal sale of liquor under Case 01/05/2021.
The second establishment was reported to the SAPS for further investigation.
One establishment was issued with a notice and closed, as it failed to trade as per the conditions of the license granted.
In conclusion, the KwaDukuza Municipality stated that the Enforcement Blitz programme has enjoyed success since its inception five years ago and will continue to grow leaps and bounds. This is due to the commitment of various peace officers of the Municipality and their external partners from both the public and private sectors.
The success of the recent operations with SARS and Home Affairs has fast-tracked the ongoing facilitation of structured multi-agencies law enforcement operations within the area to ensure that the economy of this country is protected against illegal importation of goods, employment of illegal immigrants, and the fight against illicit trade in general.
The KwaDukuza Municipality further extend its word of gratitude to all those civilians and the private sector security industry who continue to play a critical role in fighting crime in the area.
In a statement issued by the Municipality, it said, “Your contribution to ensuring safer communities and crime-free KwaDukuza has not gone unnoticed by our council and the community at large. We continue to call our communities to report any criminal activity and participate in the fight against crime and non-compliance with various laws and bylaws operational within our jurisdiction.”
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