Five arrests were made during Operation Zero Tolerance that kicked off two weeks ago.
Members of the police, Department of Home Affairs, Immigration, Traffic and the Msukaligwa building inspectorate worked together to rid the town of illegal immigrants, illegal trading, illegal building and drugs.
Without warning, the group descended on the centre of town near the taxi rank and people that failed to produce the necessary documents were detained immediately and allowed to go only once they could prove that their paperwork was in order.
Immigrant shop owners had to produce their passports and permits to trade, while local traders had to show proof of their utility bills and health certificates.
From the word go it was clear that this operation was to be taken seriously with no person or business passed without being searched.
Crates left by illegal hawkers that fled as soon as they realised what was going on were confiscated and people were searched for drugs.
A shop in Little Street was closed down. The owner was allowed to remove his personal belongings, but the shop will remain closed till the completion of the necessary application and approval for rezoning by the municipality.
The five illegal immigrants that were arrested were yet to appear in court by the time of going to print.
The parties involved will monitor the area and Operation Zero Tolerance will be ongoing.
The authorities can be expected to pounce at any time.
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