Pretoria – The police arrested 12 suspects, shut down four warehouses, and confiscated expired food products in an operation in Pretoria West.
The operation to prevent and combat illicit and expired consumable goods involved the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure Priority Committee on Foodborne Illness and Illicit Trade.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the multi-disciplinary team operation was carried out on Thursday, (15 May 2025).
She said the team comprised members of the South African Police Service, officials from the Department of Home Affairs, labour inspectors, municipal health inspectors, Tshwane Emergency Management Services, and Crime Prevention Wardens.
Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk said the operation in Pretoria West led to the arrest of 12 suspects for contravention of the Immigration Act.
“Two business owners were fined for employing these undocumented foreign nationals,” Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk said
“Fines and notices were also issued for non-compliance with health and safety regulations.
“Ultimately, the team closed down four warehouses and seized a large consignment of illicit goods and expired consumables.”
Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk said the operation in Pretoria West was part of ongoing multi-disciplinary law enforcement operations that continue to take place across the country.
“[The] South African Police Service encourages all community members to form part of the fight against food-borne illness and illicit trade by reporting suspected non-compliance to relevant authorities,” Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk said.
