Multi-agency team conducts coordinated inspections
NGQUSHWA – A multi-agency law enforcement operation was conducted in Ngqushwa on Friday, resulting in the arrest of undocumented foreign nationals, the recovery of a firearm and the seizure of expired food products during inspections at several businesses and warehouses.
The operation was carried out by the Eastern Cape Missing Person and Trafficking Unit in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Employment and Labour, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Department of Agriculture and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
During the inspections, undocumented foreign nationals were arrested for alleged contraventions of South Africa’s immigration legislation.
Expired food products confiscated
Furthermore, expired food products that were allegedly being sold to the public were discovered and confiscated for further investigation. Authorities are expected to determine whether any food safety legislation was contravened.
Questions raised over suspect’s release
According to sources present during the operation, the individual was later released by members of the local police. The decision reportedly surprised other members of the multi-agency team who had participated in the operation. The reasons for the release were not immediately established.
Authorities said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with immigration, labour, environmental and food safety legislation.
At the time of publication, SAPS had not provided an official explanation for the release of the individual found in possession of the firearm. EC News Live has requested comment and will update the story should a response be received.
source: Ngqushwa FM journalists
