MUSINA – In a combined swoop by the South African Revenue Services, immigration officials, the police and the national defence force, 27 shops in Musina were closed and their owners arrested.

The combined operation took place on Wednesday last week and was aimed against illegal immigrants and non-registered businesses.

Mostly Bangladeshi and Pakistani owners were arrested. They were not registered for Value Added Tax (VAT), the Unemployment Indemnity Fund (UIF), the Skills Levy Fund or with the Vhembe District Council.

The 27 were taken to the local police station and appeared in court on Thursday. They were all released after paying a fine of R400 each. They were given 14 days in which to register.

A spokesperson for the Chamber of Commerce at Musina said this week that the action against foreign shop owners who evade taxes and levies is generally welcomed. He said there are at present only 10 independent registered business people in Musina.

According to well-established pioneering businessmen in town, illegal foreign traders who make no tax contribution and also do not comply with the latest labour laws, pose a serious threat to organized commerce in town. It is alleged that many of the illegal foreign business people still pay salaries of between R200 and R300 per month to their staff members.

Earlier, several foreign businesses in town were closed down after a swoop on unlawful cellphone operations.