‘Repulsive’ hygiene conditions at Mtubatuba mini-market

A team, which on Tuesday conducted inspections at spaza shops and supermarkets in KwaMsane township, Mtubatuba, discovered a nauseating cooking area in one of the outlets, which, among other consumable goods, sells amagwinya.

Before the arrival of the team of inspectors comprising officials from uMkhanyakude District and Mtubatuba municipalities, as well as various government departments, a group of learners from a nearby high school purchased amagwinya and slices of polony.

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The team of inspectors, which included Department of Home Affairs immigration officers, health services officials and law enforcement agencies, learnt that the shopkeeper of the mini-market sleeps in a back room connected to the shop by a single door.

The door opens into a short, narrow passageway leading to the appalling cooking area and ablution facilities in the opposite end of the hallway.

Commenting while conducting the inspection, officials said it is not permitted that the shopkeeper sleeps inside the shop, and that the hygiene is ‘repulsive’.

It was also suspected that the electricity meter at the shop is illegally connected, while the lack of ventilation was also a concern.

The store was closed for business and the shopkeeper prohibited from selling to customers ‘until you clean up’.

One official undertook to return to the mini-market for a follow-up inspection as the team proceeded to other spaza shops.

These teams are checking whether or not these businesses have the required licences to operate, adhere to health and safety regulations, and, where applicable, that the shopkeepers have the necessary documents to be in the country legally.

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