By Mpho Moloi
Brits, South Africa — In a crackdown on counterfeit food production, police arrested two suspects in Brits on 24 October 2024, uncovering a disturbing cache of expired and potentially dangerous food products. The joint operation, involving Brits Visible Policing and Pretoria West Detectives, targeted a warehouse in the Industrial Sites area, where expired foodstuffs were allegedly being manufactured and repackaged for distribution.
According to North West Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the two suspects—aged 22 and 44—face multiple charges, including violations of the Income Tax Act, Consumer Protection Act, Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act, Immigration Act, and Counterfeit Goods Act. The discovery raises serious concerns about food safety amid growing reports of health risks linked to counterfeit and expired products.
Police Operation Uncovers Expired and Counterfeit Products
The operation stemmed from an earlier arrest involving a man delivering expired food items purchased from the Brits warehouse. Following this lead, detectives collaborated with local police to raid the suspected warehouse, where they encountered the business owner, a South African citizen, and an undocumented Malawian employee. The authorities discovered the pair allegedly manufacturing food items using three separate machines, suggesting a sophisticated, albeit illegal, operation.
Upon closer inspection, police found boxes of spices that had expired in July 2022, along with 20-litre containers of expired peanut butter, macaroni pasta, spaghetti, and various other food items. When asked to provide documentation confirming the legitimacy of his operations, the owner failed to do so, prompting Bojanala District Municipality Health Services officials to intervene. Health inspectors confirmed that many of the products were expired and unfit for consumption, leading to the site’s closure.
Health and Safety Concerns Amid Food Contamination Fears
The discovery comes at a time when South Africans are increasingly concerned about food safety following reports of food contamination and suspected food poisoning cases across the country. The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the joint team’s swift action and reassured the public that his department, in collaboration with the Department of Health, is prioritising food safety as a critical issue.
“The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PPROVJOINTS) will continue to support such operations, with the Department of Health taking the lead in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities,” Kwena stated. The Provincial Commercial Crime Unit is working with other agencies to investigate and ensure strict enforcement of food safety regulations.
Legal Ramifications and Upcoming Court Appearance
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 28 October 2024, to face charges relating to the alleged production and distribution of expired and counterfeit food items. Authorities have also seized the business owner’s laptop, which is expected to assist in uncovering further details about the distribution network and possibly identifying additional accomplices involved in similar operations.
The Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) processed the scene, while the District Municipality Health Services sealed the premises for an extended investigation. This operation reflects a broader commitment by law enforcement and regulatory bodies to tackle counterfeit goods and ensure compliance with safety standards.
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