FOREIGN NATIONALS ARRESTED IN HOWICK WEST OPERATION

Four foreign nationals were arrested and handed over to the Department of Home Affairs, following a compliance operation in Howick West last week.

They were found to have no proper documentation for being in the country.

Led by umngeni Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sandile Mnikathi, members of the umngeni Municipality, umgungundlovu District Municipality (UMDM), the SAPS and traffic officials checked business compliance in shops.

Mnikathi said they were shocked to discover that some shops were selling stale food to customers.

“There have been several instances where UMDM environmental health recorded that spaza shops were selling food that was not fit for human consumption, particularly in Howick West, Howick South and the Mathandabusi area,” he told Village Talk.

“A number of food items that were deemed not suitable for human consumption were confiscated and properly disposed of during the operation.”

Mnikathi added that planning officers also found that one building in Howick West was not compliant in terms of building regulations.

“The department will begin the process to ensure that all business activity taking place from the building will summarily be halted,” he said.

The Howick West operation is the latest in a series of compliance crackdowns across the municipality. Teams have also investigated businesses in Hilton and Nottingham Road.

“These operations are ongoing and we would like to issue a stern warning to shop owners who are operating illegally and those that are selling stale food to communities,” said Mnikathi.