Hefty fines for some South Coast spaza shops found flouting lockdown laws
In one of the shops, cigarettes - which under levels 4 and 3 of the lockdown are not allowed to be sold - were found hidden in a fridge.
Non-compliant spaza shop owners in the Umzumbe municipal area face hefty fines for contravening lockdown rules. On Thursday last week, officials from the municipality, accompanied by SAPS members and safety officers, conducted a special operation during which numerous spaza shops in uMthwalume were paid surprise visits.
According to the municipality, several of the shops visited were found to be non-compliant with the level 4 regulations in place at the time. “Some of the shops had no valid permits, and were selling dilapidated and expired stock while other hazardous stock was placed incorrectly,” read a statement from the municipality.
Gas cylinders were reportedly found stored near perishable goods, with no fire certificate or proper safety measures in place. In one of the shops, cigarettes – which under levels 4 and 3 of the lockdown are not allowed to be sold – were found hidden in a fridge. There were also items which had reached their expiry date still being sold.
Following the operation, community members commended those involved. Themba Mthabela said it was a job well done by environmental health practitioners. “I hope those people now go and apply for correct zoning, certificates of analysis and fire certificates. “People need to be educated on zoning and the correct methods of food handling.”
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