Expired food and household items were seized on January 29 after a warehouse filled with the products was discovered in 8th Avenue, Edenvale.
Follow-up investigations were conducted on Monday at the premises.
According to the Edenvale Community Police Forum’s (ECPF) Mrs Linda McKenzie, a tip-off was received on Friday and SARS Customs, Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), Ekurhuleni health officers and members of the ECPF made their way to the factory.
Health and safety officials notified the ECPF of the information received.
Mrs McKenzie said on arrival at the premises, authorities found a warehouse filled with boxes of expired goods and marked with United Nations (UN) labels.
“We found products that were riddled with worms and eggs.
“The food parcels had been opened, repackaged and resealed. The warehouse allegedly has the means necessary to repackage expired groceries. Representatives from SARS Customs and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s (EMM) Health Department were the initial cause of the intervention and are commencing with investigations.
“In addition, a white van was seen driving through Van Riebeeck Avenue on Friday night. The van was stopped as it seemed as if the driver was unable to drive. When EMPD officers, who were conducting a crime prevention operation at the time, asked the driver to open the back of the van, the driver refused,” said Mrs McKenzie.
She said officers eventually found 11 men in the back of the van, eating from expired food parcels.
“This van has been linked to the warehouse,” said Mrs McKenzie.
The NEWS was on-scene when SARS, EMM Health Deapartment, EMPD and ECPF members continued with the investigation on Monday.
The owners of the premises had legal representation on-scene.
“The property had been seized the previous week, however signs of access (over the weekend) were present,” said Mrs Mckenzie.
The property owner’s advocate refused the entry of non-officials and the owner refused to comment.
SARS and Health Department officials said a detailed press statement will be made this week.
