Durban Metro Police and government departments arrested 23 undocumented foreign nationals and shut down five non-compliant retail outlets during a joint operation in the Durban city centre, the eThekwini Municipality said on Tuesday.

The operation was carried out on Monday along Dr Pixley KaSeme and Anton Lembede streets by metro police, municipal business support, Home Affairs, and other government institutions.

The municipality said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance with immigration legislation, enhance public safety and restore order in key business and trading areas.

A total of 32 people were detained for immigration-status verification by Home Affairs officials. After verification, 23 undocumented foreign nationals aged between 21 and 54 were confirmed to be unlawfully in the country and were arrested under the Immigration Act.

The arrested included nationals from Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania and China.

Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu, who was accompanied by Ward 32 councillor Protas Mngonyama, said the operation followed repeated complaints about conditions in parts of the inner city.

Mngonyama spearheaded and led the rejuvenation of Albert Park, once notorious for drugs and crime.

“We’ve heard and are responding to the ongoing concerns of the mushrooming of illegal retail outlets, illegal and undocumented [residents], dirt and grime, prostitution and the sale of illegal narcotics in and around the city,” Zungu said.

Zungu said five shops were closed for failing to comply with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements.

The municipality said it remained committed to sustained multidisciplinary operations aimed at ensuring compliance with the law.

INSIDE METROS

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