Child deaths spark nationwide spaza shop crackdown
Amid growing national alarm, foreign-owned spaza shops in are facing intense scrutiny over allegations of selling expired products.
Foreign-owned spaza shops in South Africa face intense scrutiny as they are alleged to sell expired products, causing nationwide concern.
Tragically, seven children died within a month after consuming allegedly expired snacks, raising serious safety and legal worries.
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A worrisome surge in child deaths from products bought at foreign-owned spaza shops has deeply unsettled the nation.
Recent reports indicate two more child fatalities in Kanana, Orkney, and the North West just weeks ago.
FOREIGN-OWNED SPAZA SHOPS IN SOUTH AFRICA ARE UNDER SCRUTINY
The pattern intensified when 47 children were hospitalized in Vaal’s Sebokeng Hospital, allegedly due to consuming snacks from local spaza shops.
To tackle this issue, a nationwide initiative is underway, focusing on safeguarding consumer rights and safety.
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On Monday, North West Premier Nono Maloyi, accompanied by MEC for Economic Development Virginia Tlhapi, conducted raids on outlets owned by foreign nationals.
These inspections took place in Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality’s Ganyesa, with the aim of ensuring business compliance.
Departmental spokesperson Jeremiah Matebesi revealed that during the scrutiny, the team discovered shocking business practices in 13 tuck shops.
These ranged from vendors sleeping on the job to subpar hygiene standards and a failure to comply with price display regulations.
OPERATION RAN IN VARIOUS PROVINCES
The initial inspections in Malukazi, Umlazi, conducted by the campaign, have exposed concerning violations and actions.
Inspectors found unlabeled and expired food products such as baby formula, sweets, and flour, putting the health of the local communities at risk.
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Moreover, these inspections revealed that undocumented immigrants were running these shops, leading to worries about compliance with immigration laws.