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The National Credit Regulator conducted an onsite operation in the Eastern Cape in a bid to combat the abuse of consumers by lenders, and ensure compliance with the National Credit Act.
The NCR says in a statement the investigation focused on credit providers operating in and around the East London, Stutterheim and King Williams Town areas.
It says 27 credit providers were investigated and during the operation, 14 people were arrested, after being found in possession of 467 bank cards, 698 South African Social Security Agency cards and 78 identity documents.
The Regulator says it targets credit providers who are unlawfully garnishing, retaining pension cards, bank cards, identity documents and PIN numbers of their clients as surety.
It says this is a contravention of the National Credit Act and thus a criminal offence.
