Five tuckshops in Boshof have been shut down for selling expired food during a joint operation conducted by CPF members, Home Affairs, health inspectors, the Labour Department, and police.

Free State spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, confirmed expired groceries were discovered and seized from these establishments. The operation led to the arrest of three illegal immigrants, who are expected to appear in court soon. Additionally, fines were issued to the owners of the closed tuckshops.

Expired goods burnt after a joint operation in Boshof, Photo: SAPS

Concerns have been raised about food safety in the Free State, highlighted by a tragic incident late last year in Vredefort, where two girls died after allegedly consuming items bought from a local shop outside the multipurpose centre in Mokwallo.

The deaths in Vredefort sparked high tensions as community members demanded the immediate closure of foreign-owned shops. This led to shop owners hastily removing their stocks to avoid potential backlash.

In response to several similar incidents, the Free State government and law enforcement agencies intensified efforts to curb the sale of expired food and counterfeit products.

Community Safety, Roads and Transport MEC MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has been involved in compliance inspections across the province. Some foreign shop owners closed their businesses and fled to evade these inspections.

ActionSA Provincial Chairperson Patricia Kopane placed the responsibility for the deaths squarely on the Free State Government, SAPS, and the Department of Health. She criticised the provincial government for not responding adequately to public outcries regarding counterfeit products sold in informal businesses, including food and medicine.

“In Ngwathe Municipality, for example, bylaws would have ensured that public health inspectors, who are frontline workers, monitor businesses and public facilities to ensure adherence to local and state health regulations,” Kopane said.

She emphasised the role of the police in conducting spot checks in townships to prevent the sale of counterfeit products. “However, they have also failed to protect residents.”

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg