Johannesburg – The Public Servants Association (PSA) has praised the South African Police Service (SAPS) for its proactive approach to combating illegal activities that endanger public health, safety, and economic stability in the province.
Led by SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Thami Ntuli the raid uncovered shocking anomalies in food storage.
Warehouses in Durban were found stocked with expired foodstuffs, counterfeit goods, and hazardous items.
South Africa has classified a spate of poisonings as a “national disaster”.
At least 23 children have died in recent months of suspected poisoning after consuming snacks from spaza shops.
“These goods, many of which originated from outside the country, included expired food products such as cooking oil, ginger beer, sweets, spices, and milk,” the PSA said Friday, (22 November 2024).
Significant quantities of counterfeit clothing and high-end branded items were also found.
The PSA said it “applauds SAPS for acting swiftly on intelligence and exposing these criminal activities, which undermine South Africa’s trading laws and jeopardise the safety of citizens”.
The PSA said it strongly condemns the sale and distribution of expired and counterfeit goods, violating trading laws and putting the lives of South Africans at risk.
The substandard and dangerous nature of these products, including food items with no expiry dates or visibly rotten goods, poses severe health risks.
This illegal trade also impacts the economy by undermining legitimate businesses that adhere to regulations and contribute to the country’s development.
The PSA views such activities as tantamount to treason, as they sabotage efforts to build a stable and thriving nation.
The PSA called on communities, including union members, to play an active role in supporting law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities.
A united effort between the public, SAPS, and government is crucial in preventing illegal practices.
South Africans are urged to remain vigilant and report any activities that undermine the laws and put lives at risk.
The PSA said it supports recent measures introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, including the formal registration of spaza shops and the ban on harmful pesticides often misused in food production.
These initiatives, coupled with stringent law enforcement, are vital in ensuring that only safe and legal goods reach South African consumers.
The PSA said it applauds the leadership demonstrated by the KwaZulu-Natal Premier and SAPS Provincial Commissioner, whose efforts in spearheading intelligence-driven operations have yielded results.
“Their dedication reinforces the importance of prioritising public health, safety, and lawful trading practices,” the PSA said.
“Combating such threats requires ongoing vigilance, interdepartmental cooperation, and public engagement.
“Together, we can build a South Africa where citizens are protected from harmful practices, and businesses operate within the confines of the law.”
