KARIEGA – Two separate law enforcement operations conducted in KwaNobuhle and the Kariega central business district have resulted in shop closures, fines, and multiple arrests as authorities intensify by-law enforcement across Nelson Mandela Bay.
Six shops in KwaNobuhle were shut down and fined a combined R26,000 during a multi-agency operation focused on food safety and regulatory compliance.
The operation was led by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Chief Operating Officer’s office, represented by Monitoring and Evaluation Manager Mpumi Mrubata, and included Environmental Health, Economic Development, Human Settlements, municipal security, SAPS, Metro Police, Traffic Services, Inspection and Enforcement, and Town Rangers.
Teams first assembled at the Kariega Traffic Department for a strategic briefing before proceeding to targeted sites in Mkoko, Pityana, Nxarana, Kopo, and Ponana Tini Street.
All six businesses inspected were found to be non-compliant with municipal by-laws and food safety regulations and were immediately shut down.
Authorities also arrested five undocumented individuals during the operation, who were taken in for processing.
The municipality said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure businesses comply with regulatory frameworks and to safeguard public health.
In a separate operation conducted on April 14, Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe joined a multidisciplinary enforcement sweep in Market Street, Kariega, aimed at broader compliance monitoring across multiple sectors.
A total of 20 shops were inspected during the operation, with five closure notices issued for non-compliance.
Waste management inspections found only three of 16 businesses compliant, resulting in 13 fines totalling R26,000 for failure to maintain valid waste removal contracts.
Traffic Services and Metro Police issued 32 additional fines worth more than R22,000 for offences including illegal parking, public nuisance, and unlawful structures.
The Housing Department identified seven properties with illegal structures, which have been referred to Legal Services for further action.
In total, 49 enforcement actions were recorded during the operation.
The municipality said follow-up inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance with all notices issued.
Both operations form part of ongoing enforcement efforts aimed at strengthening by-law compliance and improving health, safety, and order within the municipality.
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