Issued by Umuziwabantu Local Municipality

Umuziwabantu Municipality has welcomed the conviction of eight illegal immigrants who were arrested during a municipal-led joint compliance operation in the Harding CBD.
The eight individuals were arrested during last month’s operation and have since been convicted by the Magistrate’s Court. They are currently serving three-month sentences at Kokstad Correctional Centre and will be deported upon completion of their sentences.
This outcome demonstrates the seriousness with which Umuziwabantu Municipality, working together with SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, and other stakeholders, is dealing with non-compliance, illegal trading activities, and related offences within the Harding CBD.
As part of the Municipality’s continued efforts to restore law and order, another joint compliance operation was conducted today, 24 April 2026. The operation focused on follow-up inspections of businesses previously found to be non-compliant with health, safety, building regulations, and municipal by-laws.
During today’s operation, five businesses were inspected. Two containers and tyres were confiscated from businesses that failed to comply with building regulations. A further four individuals were arrested for being in the country illegally and for being in possession of fraudulent documents. They were processed with the assistance of the Department of Home Affairs.
Umuziwabantu Municipality remains committed to ensuring that all businesses operating in Harding CBD comply with applicable laws, municipal by-laws, health and safety requirements, and building regulations. The Municipality will continue leading coordinated enforcement operations with SAPS, Home Affairs, and other stakeholders to protect public order, promote lawful business activity, and build a cleaner, safer, and more compliant Harding CBD.