FOR many years, trying to get rid of illegal abortion stickers and penis enlargement posters from Port Shepstone CBD proved difficult.
The bold red, white and green stickers advertising penis enlargements and safe abortions have been plastered throughout the town.
The posters, which are an eyesore, are stuck on almost every corner on electrical boxes, rubbish bins, street signs and business premises.
A breakthrough on those responsible for placing these posters was made last Thursday.
An undercover operation was held by Port Shepstone SAPS, Department of Justice, Department of Health and Home Affairs.
“The operation was aimed to target illegal abortions and people who illegally hand out pamphlets in the Port Shepstone CBD and surrounding areas,” said police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid.
Seven men, originally from Uganda, who were practising as doctors, were arrested. According to the investigation revealed yesterday (Wednesday), the seven men are ‘self-made doctors’. Two premises in the CBD were identified and closed down.
“The men, all in their thirties, were detained by Home Affairs as illegal immigrants. They will be deported by Home Affairs soon. Numerous boxes with pamphlets and a large number of cellphones were also confiscated,” said Lt-Col Wiid.
During a follow-up operation on Monday this week, police arrested six more illegal immigrants. They are also in detention.
Three other suspects were arrested for illegally handing out the pamphlets. The three were fined and had to pay R500 for the offence.
According to municipal by-laws, permission must be obtained to hand out certain pamphlets.
Colonel William Slabbert, Vispol head at Port Shepstone police, said there will be continuing operations of this kind.
Meanwhile, on Sunday this week, churchgoers from Gate Ministries in Port Shepstone went around Port Shepstone CBD removing abortion stickers.
