UPDATE: Man dies after being locked in cold room for stealing chocolate

A 33-year-old man has died after being allegedly locked inside a supermarket cold room overnight for stealing a bar of chocolate.

It is understood the incident happened in Ratanda, south of Gauteng on Sunday.

Angry community members reportedly gathered outside the store demanding answers after the death of the man, initially reported as being 13-years-old.

Police spokeperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza told The Citizen they are investigating the incident.

“Ratanda police have opened a case of assault common as well as an inquest docket. This follows an alleged incident where two men accused of shoplifting were locked locked at the back of the store. One of the men, a 33 year old, during closing time complained of stomach aches, paramedics were called and he was declared dead on the scene.”

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Counterfeit goods arrest

Meanwhile, police are clamping down on shops selling counterfeit goods.

Last week, Police seized counterfeit goods imitating well-known brands worth over R3 million and arrested one Pakistani national for bribery.

The National Counterfeit Goods Unit led an integrated take-down operation in Midrand on Thursday, resulting in the seizure of fake luxury goods.

Police spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the operation involved members of the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, Commercial Crimes Detectives, officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and Brand Protectors among others.

Fake brands

Van Wyk said the team executed a search and seizure warrant, targeting shops within a local shopping centre in Midrand.

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