ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OPERATION BUYISA STRIVES TO BRING BACK LAW, ORDER, AND COMPLIANCE IN WENTWORTH AND MEREBANK
In a determined effort to restore safety and compliance, the eThekwini Municipality, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), successfully executed Operation Buyisa in the Wentworth and Merebank areas on Friday, 17 April 2026.
The operation targeted illegal activities, environmental violations, and threats to public safety, reinforcing the City’s commitment to law enforcement and community well-being.
During the operation, authorities discovered eighteen undocumented foreign nationals working at a shoe factory in Wentworth. Seven additional individuals were taken into custody by the Department of Home Affairs for verification and further processing. The factory owner was charged under Section 49, Subsection 3 of the Immigration Act, and the premises were subsequently closed.
Councillor Tariq Mohamed expressed gratitude to all participating agencies and emphasised the importance of sustained operations of this nature. “This initiative enforces the City’s bylaws, combats corruption, dismantles drug syndicates, promotes hygiene, and ensures a safe and peaceful environment,” said Mohamed.
The operation was a multi-agency collaboration involving:
• South African Police Service (Wentworth SAPS, Public Order Police)
• Durban Metro Police
• City’s Disaster Management Department
• Fire Department
• Department of Home Affairs Immigration
• Health and Environmental Services
• KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Board
• Waste Management
• Parks and Recreation
• Business Licensing
• KwaZulu-Natal Community Safety and Liaison
Mohamed further acknowledged the Supply Side Area Based Operations (SSABO), which played a central role in coordinating local intelligence, mobilising community structures, and ensuring operational efficiency. Their involvement strengthened interdepartmental collaboration, streamlined enforcement actions, and provided on-the-ground support that was critical to the overall success of the operation.
By aligning municipal services with law enforcement, SSABO ensured that the operation was not only effective but also sustainable, laying the foundation for ongoing community safety initiatives.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Department
