MIDVAAL. – The MMC for Development and Planning in the Midvaal Local Municipality, Mokete Motsamai, recently led an inspection blitz and the closure of non-compliant shops in De Deur, Savannah City, and Lakeside.
This operation involved a multidisciplinary team from the Midvaal Law Enforcement Unit, South African Police Services, Department of Home Affairs Immigration Officers, Department of Health Environmental Health Inspectors, Community Policing Forum (CPF) patrollers, and other law enforcement officials.
The operation was prompted by numerous complaints from community members about certain establishments in these areas selling expired goods and failing to adhere to health and safety standards. Motsamai explained that in order to effectively address this issue, it was essential to conduct thorough inspections of these shops.
Motsamai noted that the municipality was responding to the requests of residents who had expressed their intention to take matters into their own hands if action was not taken against non-compliant shop owners. He emphasised the municipality’s proactive approach, ensuring that residents don’t resort to vigilante measures. The operation focused on basic law enforcement, business licenses, and compliance by spaza shops, ensuring they meet health standards.
During the operation, over 15 spaza shops were inspected, and notices were issued for various offenses related to contraventions and non-compliance. Six foreign nationals were arrested for being undocumented, and five shops were closed down due to non-compliance.
Motsamai expressed condolences to families who may have lost loved ones due to allegedly consuming expired food from spaza shops, highlighting the dangers of selling illicit or expired products. He urged all municipalities to be proactive in conducting regular inspections at shops and informal areas to ensure that consumers are provided with compliant products.
Motsamai made it clear that they would not tolerate lawlessness and would continue to conduct these operations in the interest of their residents, issuing notices, fines, or even shutting down non-compliant shops.
