VIDEO: Steeldale Mall store cleans up after maggot controversy
Shoppers at the Steeldale Mall were horrified after allegedly spotting maggots spilling from a store, raising health concerns.
Shoppers at the Steeldale Mall were shocked after allegedly seeing maggots come out of Everest, a store in the mall, on February 11.
Concerned residents from South Hills quickly took to Facebook to voice their worries about the unsanitary conditions of the shop and the potential health risks.
The situation escalated when more residents expressed outrage, calling for immediate action.
In response, the Southern Courier visited the mall on February 12 to get a statement from the management. However, no representatives were available at the time.
When the newspaper finally reached the mall management over the phone, it was told to contact the store’s head office. Unfortunately, the newspaper was unable to reach the right person for a comment.
A resident, who asked to remain anonymous, shared their firsthand experience of the incident.
“I went to draw money at Standard Bank at 08:30, and while walking through the mall, I saw a lot of white dots on the floor. When I looked closely, they were maggots. They were coming from the Indian and Chinese restaurants.
“I then spoke to a car guard, who directed me to the centre management office, but when I got there, it was empty – like no one was even in the centre,” explained Anonymous.
The resident also reported a strong, unpleasant odour in the area, “There was a rotten meat smell,” she said.
According to the witness, other people also saw the maggots.
“A lady from the shop next door and two car guards were there. The security wouldn’t let me take a video or give me the manager’s name.”
@southern.courier Shoppers at the Steeldale Mall were shocked after allegedly seeing maggots come out of Everest, a store in the mall, on February 11. Concerned residents from South Hills quickly took to Facebook to voice their worries about the unsanitary conditions of the shop and the potential health risks. The situation escalated when more residents expressed outrage, calling for immediate action.
Despite attempts to report the issue, there was no immediate response from the mall management.
“No centre manager was there, and security wouldn’t give me their number or name. I reported it to DA Ward Clr Faeza Chaeme, and I believe health and environmental officials went there.”
The witness also said this was not the first time they had noticed an issue at the mall.
“I don’t shop at this centre often, but every time I go there, I’ve commented to my husband that the entrance to the mall smells.”
In response to the incident, the owner of the Everest shop provided a statement clarifying the situation.
“We closed the shop for two days because our employee who opens the shop was sick and couldn’t come to work. The maggots came from a bin. We hired a cleaning company that came and cleaned on February 13 and will return on February 14.”
As of now, Everest remains closed, and it is unclear what further steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Shoppers and residents are urged to stay informed as the situation develops.
