SIPHELELE NKETO

THE small town of Harding in KZN was prompted to action this week with law enforcement agencies and government stakeholders strengthening compliance, public safety, consumer protection and lawful trading.

The joint operation included the police, representatives from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), immigration officials, Umuziwabantu Law Enforcement, and Fire and Disaster Management.

During the blitz, businesses were inspected for hygiene, expired goods, licensing, fire safety, immigration compliance and general trading conditions.

Two shops were closed due to health-related non-compliance while eight illegal containers were removed and expired goods confiscated.

Another joint operation was conducted last month to restore law and order and also to inspect businesses that were previously found to be non-compliant with health, safety and building regulations, and municipal by-laws.

The Umuziwabantu Local Municipality said it will continue championing operations to ensure lawful trading, protect residents, address illegal immigration concerns through the relevant authorities and maintain safer business environments.