Siphelele Nketo 

A JOINT operation between police and involved stakeholders was conducted this week in the Kokstad town, targeting businesses. It was meant to ensure compliance with municipal by-laws, immigration legislation, health and safety regulations, and operating business standards.

Several businesses operating in the town were inspected, and as a result, 33 foreign nationals were processed. It was reported that 10 foreign nationals were arrested for lack of documentation. The operation led to the closure of eight trading outlets for operating without trading licences.

The inspection uncovered expired food products in some shops. Another inspection by the Greater Kokstad Municipality Local Economic Development officer, SAPS and other stakeholders set out to target informal trading in the town of Kokstad.

According to Greater Kokstad Municipality Local Economic Development manager Mthokozisi Zulu, the aim was to enforce compliance in the informal trading sector and also to promote safety.