BREAKING NEWS – Operation Hlasela pins down on expired foods, illegal immigrants

Law enforcement agencies, health inspectors and Home Affairs officials cracked down on spaza shops suspected of selling expired and fake foods in the city today (Thursday) following the official launch of Capricorn District Municipality’s (CDM) Operation Hlasela earlier.
The operation in Polokwane was conducted in Boom Street where officials searched small businesses, checked expiry dates on various goods, company licences as well as passports of foreign nationals. Expired goods such as sugar, soft drinks and cooking oil were found in one of the shops while two suspected illegal immigrants were arrested on the spot.
Addressing officials during the launch, CDM Executive Mayor John Mpe stated that the crackdown will be conducted in the city, Westenburg, Seshego and Mankweng. “We must make it clear that we are not targeting foreign-owned shops on the basis of their nationalities in order to perpetuate any stereotype or victimisation of foreign nationals. We are going to attend to any store owned by anyone,” he explained.
He further said in cases where a shop owner or a worker is not in the country legally, Home Affairs immigration officials and the Police will make arrests for contravening the Immigration Act and take the necessary steps. He added that any expired foodstuffs will be confiscated and disposed of as waste.

Story and photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za