Lekwa Municipality and community safety forums take hands
Several people were arrested during joint operations in Standerton.
The Community Safety Forum launched a two-day operation in the Standerton CBD to reinforce compliance in businesses.
According to a statement released by Lekwa Municipality, the operation was active from August 7 to 8.
The operation was spearheaded by the MCC for Community Services and Safety, Seipati Modise, and the MMC for Planning and Economic Development.
Various stakeholders including the Department of Home Affairs, team Ngenelela, AfriForum, Kasselman Security Services, the Gert Sibande District Municipality health inspectors, the fire and rescue department and Lekwa municipal officials took part in the operation.
They inspected five businesses on August 7. Several violations were identified and various expired food products were confiscated.
One illegal immigrant was detained on this day. On the second day of the operation, the team received a tip about a clinic being illegally operated on Beyers Naude Street.
Councillors were involved in this part of the operation, with the help of the police and the Department of Health.
Upon arrival at the clinic, the team found a woman who claimed to be a nurse.
The suspect could not produce the correct registration documents and the team discovered that she was not a registered practitioner.
She was also unable to give a practice number for her clinic. The suspect was arrested along with two illegal immigrants and medical equipment as well as a variety of medication.
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“These types of operations are proof of the success we can achieve when private companies, community forums and government organisations, such as the municipality, team up to solve problems as a unit,” said Wilma Venter (councillor).
“It even holds advantages for the community when we all work together.”
Four more illegal immigrants were arrested later in the day at a salon in the same building.
“Our priority is to ensure that businesses operate within the bounds of the law and adhere to safety regulations,” said Modise.
“The actions taken over the past two days reflect our commitment to protecting the community and upholding standards.”
