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Police Raid Spaza Shops, Detain 18 Foreign Nationals for Illicit Goods

Published

7 months ago

October 18, 2023

In a recent operation, the Gauteng Counterfeit and Contraband Goods task team raided spaza shops in the West Rand, specifically in the Swannieville and Kagiso policing precincts, targeting illegal goods in spaza shops. According to The Citizen, the operation, named Operation Shanela, focused on counterfeit products, contraband items, and expired food. This action comes in response to growing concerns about the safety of products sold in spaza shops following the tragic deaths of two children who allegedly consumed biscuits and juice from a spaza shop earlier this month.

#sapsGP [EARLIER TODAY] The Gauteng Counterfeit and Contraband task team embarked on #OperationShanela earlier today in the West Rand, in Swannieville, Kagiso policing precinct, focusing on counterfeit products, contraband and expired food. ME pic.twitter.com/Th0ldZOuSk
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 17, 2023

Law enforcement authorities, determined to prevent such incidents, have vowed to intensify these operations within the province. During the operation, the task team scrutinised 24 local supermarkets and spaza shops, leading to the seizure of various illegal goods, including counterfeit items such as shoe polish, toothbrushes, Rizzla, and cigarettes, as well as expired food items like bread, rice, mealie meal, infant formula, tomato sauce, Koo baked beans, beef, and chicken. Additionally, the operation resulted in the confiscation of pre-Rica SIM cards.

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As a result of these operations, the police arrested 18 undocumented individuals involved in various crimes, including one apprehended for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

#sapsGP The Gauteng Counterfeit and Contraband Goods task team’s operation in the West Rand, in Swannieville, Kagiso policing precinct has resulted in the arrest of 18 undocumented persons including one for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The team searched 24… pic.twitter.com/PPCpQMaORF
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 17, 2023

This initiative aligns with the community’s demand. The community wants increased scrutiny of the products sold in spaza shops. There is also a call for their temporary closure after the tragic incidents involving schoolchildren who fell ill after consuming snacks purchased from a spaza shop. The incidents have emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of learners and have prompted authorities to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane stressed the need for vigilance and safety in protecting children from harmful substances, expressing condolences to the affected families and wishing the hospitalised learners a swift recovery. Parents must be extra cautious regarding the products their children consume and prioritise their well-being. The police have committed to ongoing efforts to prevent the distribution of illegal and potentially hazardous goods in spaza shops.

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