Greater Tzaneen Muni inspects more illegal shops
Tzaneen officials inspect more CBD businesses, uncovering expired food, hygiene violations, illegal goods, and undocumented workers.
LIMPOPO – The Greater Tzaneen Municipality’s Local Economic Development unit once again conducted inspections in the Tzaneen CBD.
This time, the operation was carried out in partnership with the Mopani District Municipality’s (MDM) Foodborne and Illicit Trade Task Team, which included officials from Home Affairs, the Immigration Unit, and the police.
The purpose of the campaign was to verify whether businesses had valid certificates, ensure that employees possessed proper citizenship and work documents, and check compliance with cleanliness, health, and safety regulations.
Serious hygiene and safety violations uncovered
During the inspections, officials found numerous violations. In many shops, some employees lacked the required documents to be in the country. Inspectors also reported unclean toilets and kitchens, expired food products on shelves, and items that were unmarked or improperly labelled.
At one business on Peace Street, officials discovered that although the owners had the correct paperwork to operate as a retail store, they were also running a restaurant without the required licence.
The same store was found selling salt intended for animal feed as a food product for people. Inspectors disposed of all unbranded bread and the animal salt found on the premises.
MMC for Community Safety, Basani Shibambu of the MDM, revoked the store’s Certificate of Acceptability (COA) for these violations. The COA is a food safety and hygiene permit issued by the local environmental health department.
At another shop specialising in Indian cuisine, inspectors discovered a toilet located inside the store and next to a refrigerator. Several employees there also lacked proper documentation to be in the country.
Undocumented workers arrested
Police arrested all workers found without legal documents.
Expired, unmarked, or unauthorised food items, along with illegal cosmetic products, were confiscated and disposed of at the local landfill site.
The arrested individuals were taken to the police station and issued fines. Stores that failed to meet regulatory standards were given warnings and deadlines to correct their violations.
