Police bust sellers of expired goods

On 17 May 2025, The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Priority Committee on Food borne Illness and Illicit Trade set up operations in Pretoria West. They visited multiple warehouses to inspect whether any illicit sale of expired consumable goods was taking place.

The multi-disciplinary NATJOINTS team comprised of members of the South African Police Service and Department of Home Affairs officials. Labour inspectors, municipal health inspectors, Tshwane Emergency Management Services and Crime Prevention Wardens were also part of the operation.

“The operation led to the arrest of twelve suspects for contravention of the Immigration Act. Two business owners were fined for employing these undocumented foreign nationals”, said SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS IGNORED

During the operation, municipal health inspectors identified warehouses that were in contravention of health and safety regulations.

“The team closed down four warehouses and seized a large consignment of illicit goods and expired consumables”, said van Wyk.

According to van Wyk, fines and notices were also issued to the owners of the warehouses. They were for non-compliance of health and safety regulations.

FOOD POISONING DEATHS

In 2024, more than 23 children of primary school-going age died after consuming snacks and food they had bought at local spaza shops. Many others were hospitalised, also from food poisoning related illnesses.  

The deaths caused national outcry and the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, identified Terbufos (an organophosphate) as the cause of death. According to a report by the Health Department, Terbufos is normally used by farmers as a soil insecticide. They use it to control various pests in crops like corn, sorghum, and sugar beets. The insecticide mostly kills soil insects such as corn rootworm, wireworms, and white grubs.

Spaza shops were also on the receiving end of public scrutiny, as many claimed the deaths were as a result of the sale of expired and poisoned goods.

POLICE VOW TO PROTECT CITIZENS

van Wyk said SAPS are doing their best to keep citizens safe and avoid what happened last year. She urged South African’s to also play their part.

“SAPS encourages all community members to form part of the fight against food borne illness and illicit trade by reporting suspected non-compliance to relevant authorities”, said van Wyk.

She said the operation that took place in Pretoria today, is part of an ongoing multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation. She said police are pouncing at various places across the country daily.

What do you think should happen to individuals who are found to be selling expired goods?

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