CCTV: Questions raised after Ermelo and Breyten businesses are raided by masked group

CASSIM PARK – Questions on several fronts need to be answered after some SAPS members, a group called Foto Security, and members of the S’Khipha AmaFiles show raided an alleged illegal chips factory on October 20.

It was revealed in other video footage online that about 500 to 600 packs of chips were sold daily out of the alleged factory, of which the health and operating standards were questioned.

The team apparently undertook this operation after receiving a tip-off about the situation.

Ermelo encounter

New surveillance footage from inside Pack Pack, obtained by Highvelder on October 23, reveals disturbing actions by the men who are said to act in the public’s interest.

The footage shows the men searching through the back of the cigarette counter, opening a case under the counter, and moments later, opening the case again and removing something from it.

According to the store manager, they keep payments in this case. Shortly after the group had left the store, a staff member informed them his money was gone, and they decided to go back on the footage to see what had happened to it.

The manager told Highvelder that the group had not shown them any search warrants or credentials on the day, but that they were accompanied by security members and members of the police.

He said they were called to the factory and claims that a file containing all the documentation and registration of the factory was stolen from their vehicle outside.

Breyten encounter

Highvelder also obtained footage from a business, said to be in Breyten, where a camera crew arrived with faces covered with balaclavas, attempted to expose the business for selling products that had reached their sell-by dates during a previous raid on October 16.

The footage shows how a member of the group opened a till at the store and removed something.

He put it into his pocket and continued to look at some items, presumably checking the expiration dates.

According to Captain Carla Prinsloo, the actions carried out by these groups were done without any search warrants.

This is not the first encounter these groups and Prinsloo have had, she said.

Previously, a liquor store in town was raided by the same group, after which Prinsloo entered the fray.

An argument broke out between her and the group, after which she stepped away from the confrontation.

When asked whether the owner of Pack Pack had opened a case of theft with the police, he said he is not in the country at the moment, but would instruct his manager to open one.

Although consumers need to be protected against items that are not fit for human consumption, the actions by these groups have also raised questions.

Queries sent and responses received

• Highvelder also tried to get in contact with the Moja Love and sent it enquiries, and is awaiting a response.  S’Khipha AmaFiles is a show from Moja Love, a South African digital satellite television general entertainment channel.
• Ermelo police’s spokesperson, Captain Carla Prinsloo indicated the actions carried out by these groups were done without any search warrants.
• Highvelder sent media enquiries to Foto Security regarding the footage and asked on what basis they are allowed to enter businesses and carry out inspections and operations. Notwithstanding the community interest, Foto Security was also asked in an e-mail whether protocol and accepted legal actions were not the more appropriate route to address the very real concerns that the community of Ermelo faces, especially consumers who purchase from these shops/factory. E-mails sent to Foto Security did not reach the recipient, as they returned undeliverable to the e-mail addresses (fofosecurity@workmail.co.za & fofosecurity@gmail.com) provided on the website. Calls to the phone number listed on the website also went unanswered.
• Questions were posed to Marie Prinsloo, the Gert Sibande District’s health inspector through the district municipality’s spokesperson, Bongi Ka Dube

According to Ka Dube, Gert Sibande’s community and social services department, responsible for municipal health services in the district, was notified of the operation by the crew members on their way to the premises.

However, she added that this was an independent operation, and no details were provided in terms of names and areas where the operation would be conducted.

On the question if the group is allowed to enter a business at any time and demand to see its licenses and check its stock, Ka Dube responded: “In terms of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972, as amended, they are not allowed nor authorised.”

Highvelder sent follow-up questions to Ka Dube regarding the potential violations by the factory owner, including but not limited to operating an alleged illegal chips factory and selling items passed the sell-by date.

Highvelder also obtained video footage from another alleged incident, said to be from a store in Breyten. An editorial decision was taken not to publish the footage to give the persons identified time to comment on the matter.

Highvelder will write a follow-up article as more information becomes available.