Evander SAPS distances itself from butchery’s closure
Sergeant Zukiswa Mxhotjelwa said the police were not involved in the GMM’s inspection, and no criminal case was opened against the Chinese national business owners.
The Evander SAPS has distanced itself from the closure of a local butchery on January 6.
Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) law enforcers and health inspectors closed it for selling rotten meat and not complying with basic hygiene standards.
According to Evander SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Zukiswa Mxhotjelwa, the police were not involved in the GMM’s inspection, and no criminal case was opened against the Chinese national business owners.
“Usually, when inspections are done, intergovernmental organisations, including the SAPS, communicate and carry out joint operations.
“In this instance, the municipality did not involve us. We became aware of the inspection only after seeing it on social media,” said Mxhotjelwa.
A municipal statement said the closure followed routine inspections ensuring that local businesses comply with health and safety regulations. Enforcement actions include confiscating goods, issuing fines and closing non-compliant businesses.
Municipal officials reported a stench upon entering the butchery, where various foods were stacked atop one another in unsanitary conditions.
Items removed from the premises included trotters, cow heads, intestines, chicken feet sauces, cow hide and spices.
The municipality’s media liaison and content developer, Donald Green, said the inspection is ongoing. When there is a transgression, the matter is referred to other enforcement agencies and health and liquor authorities for further investigation.
He added that this includes scrutiny of a bottle store next to the butchery.
The collaboration aims to remove unsafe and fraudulent food and beverages from circulation to protect consumers from serious health risks, including potentially fatal consequences.
Green said the GMM urges the community to be vigilant and report suspicious businesses and food outlets not complying with health, fire safety and town planning regulations.
