12 illegal immigrants arrested, expired food seized in Pretoria

12 people have been arrested for being in the country illegally, while two Pretoria businessmen have been fined for hiring them.

A multidisciplinary team comprising members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), officials from the Department of Home Affairs (DOH), labour inspectors, municipal health inspectors, Tshwane Emergency Management Services, and Crime Prevention Wardens recently executed an operation in Pretoria West, nabbing the offenders.

Illegal goods and expired food found

Police spokesperson Lt Col Amanda van Wyk said the operation closed four warehouses and seized a large consignment of illicit goods and expired consumables.

“This is part of ongoing multi-disciplinary law enforcement operations that continue to take place on a daily basis across the country.

“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.”

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has formed a Priority Committee on Foodborne Illness and Illicit Trade in response to dozens of deaths due to contaminated food.

In February, Trade Minister Parks Tau told Parliament that the prevalence of food poisoning incidents linked to spaza shops poses a real health risk to South Africans and undermines trust in the government to protect them.

He said some of the issues were inadequate food handling practices, poor storage conditions, and a lack of awareness of hygiene standards.

Cabinet last year called on anyone who witnesses the sale of counterfeit foodstuffs and expired items in communities to report it to the National Consumer Commission.

Complaints can be reported free of charge by contacting 012 065 1940.

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