Staff Reporter
eThekwini Municipality, working with the South African Police Service, carried out Operation Buyisa in Wentworth and Merebank on Friday, targeting illegal activities, environmental violations and threats to public safety, the city said in a statement.
The municipality said the operation formed part of efforts to restore “law, order, and compliance” in the two south Durban areas and underscored the city’s commitment to law enforcement and community well-being.
During the operation, authorities found 18 undocumented foreign nationals working at a shoe factory in Wentworth, according to the statement.
A further seven people were taken into custody by the Department of Home Affairs for verification and further processing.
The factory owner was charged under Section 49, Subsection 3 of the Immigration Act, while the premises was closed, the municipality said.
Councillor Tariq Mohamed thanked the agencies involved and said operations of this kind needed to continue.
“This initiative enforces the City’s bylaws, combats corruption, dismantles drug syndicates, promotes hygiene, and ensures a safe and peaceful environment,” Mohamed said.
The operation involved Wentworth SAPS, Public Order Police, Durban Metro Police, the city’s Disaster Management Department, the Fire Department, Department of Home Affairs Immigration, Health and Environmental Services, the KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Board, Waste Management, Parks and Recreation, Business Licensing, and KwaZulu-Natal Community Safety and Liaison.
Mohamed also acknowledged the Supply Side Area Based Operations, or SSABO, saying it played a central role in coordinating local intelligence, mobilising community structures and helping ensure operational efficiency.
The municipality said SSABO’s involvement strengthened interdepartmental collaboration, streamlined enforcement actions and provided critical on-the-ground support during the operation.
By aligning municipal services with law enforcement, SSABO helped make the operation both effective and sustainable, the city said, adding that it laid the foundation for ongoing community safety initiatives.
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