Metro police arrest drug dealer in tactical operation, fine non-compliant spaza shops
A man was arrested in Sunnyside for possession of drugs and bags of dagga during TMPD operations.
Tshwane metro police department (TMPD) has arrested a man found in possession of drugs and ziplock bags of dagga.
TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said the suspect was arrested in Sunnyside on Tuesday by TMPD tactical unit members during an operation.
“During the patrols, the tactical unit spotted a suspicious man. The suspect tried to run when he noticed the officers, but they chased him down and apprehended him,” said Mahamba.
He said the man was arrested for dealing in and possession of drugs.
Mahamba said TMPD by-law officers also conducted business inspections in Sunnyside, where 12 businesses were inspected and four fines issued for contravening the Businesses Act, 1991 (Act 71 of 1991).
He added that the TMPD regional team and other law enforcement agencies proceeded to Hammanskraal for a spaza shop compliance operation.
“Five undocumented immigrants were arrested, while 300 fines for non-compliance were issued and 200 illicit cigarettes were confiscated.”
Recently, the metro announced that local spaza shops which didn’t comply with the trading by-laws would be issued with prohibition orders for their premises to be closed.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said when metro officials found shop owners flaunting regulations, they would be given notices or fines.
“A stipulated timeframe is allocated for corrective action. Should non-compliance continue, then prohibition orders for closure of the food premises will be issued if a serious health threat has been identified,” Mashigo said.
According to food legislation, no one is allowed to transport, display, prepare, sell or even store food without a Certificate of Acceptability (COA).
The metro’s warning comes after growing concern from residents over the selling of expired goods by local shops in their areas.
To curb the selling and consumption of expired goods, the metro embarked on a multidisciplinary operation, where a team focused solely on business and health compliance by all spaza shops and wholesalers.
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