23/04/2026
FRIDAY NIGHT COMPLIANCE WALKS
On Friday 17 April 2026, Durban North SAPS and eThekwini Metro Police conducted compliance operations in the Gateway and Umhlanga CBDs, with support from the Durban North CPF and KZN VIP Protection Services.
The purpose of the operation was to ensure businesses were adhering to eThekwini licencing requirements such as business, trading and liquor licences, as well as checking for the supply, sale and possession of illegal substances or possession of dangerous weapons.
In the Gateway area, a well-known restaurant was issued with fines and a warning for being in violation of their trading licence by playing loud music and having a DJ on site after 22h00, whilst being only registered as a restaurant; smoking indoors; and not correctly displaying licences.
An employee of a liquor store was detained for selling liquor to members of the public outside of legal trading hours, whilst a patron of a nearby establishment was arrested for being in possession an illicit substance suspected to be co***ne.
Several members of the public in the Gateway CBD had alcohol confiscated and issued with warnings for consuming it in public.
In the Umhlanga Village, one establishment was found to have a significant amount of ma*****na in bags and jars in a bag on site, and upon being questioned, the staff claimed no knowledge of the drugs. The staff were warned, and drugs confiscated and entered in evidence at the Durban North SAPS. The street value of the drugs was estimated to be between R15,000 and R20,000.
Multiple other establishments were checked and found to be fully compliant with the required permits and trading times.
Several motorists were warned throughout the night for revving their vehicles, and one motorist was issued multiple fines and a warning for his vehicle due non-compliance with the National Road Traffic Act.
Acknowledgments
The Durban North CPF extends its sincere thanks to Durban North SAPS and eThekwini Metro Police for their ongoing work and support in ensuring compliance across the area. Appreciation is also extended to KZN VIP Protection Services for their continued support during the operation.
Gratitude is further extended to those owners and managers of establishments who cooperated fully with the members during the process with no issues.
Important notice to the public
Businesses, patrons and members of the public are cautioned that interfering in lawful operations is a criminal offence and all are urged to refrain from attempting to interfere with law enforcement in any manner.
Patrons and members of the public are also requested to refrain from making abusive comments or insults towards members of law enforcement, the CPF or private security whilst they carry out their duties.
