Tshwane Metro Police Department conducted high-density operation to eradicate illegal spaza shop trading in the city

The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) heightened its efforts in fighting criminality and lawlessness within Tshwane by clamping down on shops selling expired foods to the community. On Monday, 11 November 2024, TMPD members held a high-density joint operation with other role players in Pretoria North in the Akasia Precinct and Soshanguve Ext 1, respectively.

Eight stores were inspected during the operation and all of them contained expired foods. Seven of the stores received Section 56 infringement notices with a total value of R25 000, while one store was closed for violating food-handling legislation. Another two stores had illegal cigarettes, and the other three stores had alcohol without liquor trading licences. Two verbal warnings were given, intended to correct the owners.

Additionally, six store owners were apprehended and detained at local police stations after being in the country unlawfully and without documentation. The illegal alcohol and cigarettes were seized and taken into custody as exhibits at police stations.

The TMPD is committed to tackling lawlessness and illegality and creating a safer city for the residents of Tshwane. The Chief of Police, Commissioner YCR Faro, has taken a zero-tolerance stance against crime and lawlessness in the city and will make sure that no one continues to conduct illegal business, with the commitment that all transgressors will be apprehended and dealt with without fear or favour.