During a sting operation by members of the National Consumer Commission (NCC) and the local municipality, two spaza shops in Tshikota were closed down and their goods confiscated. The operation was conducted in response to widespread reports of learners' falling ill, suspected to be the result of food poisoning.
The NCC team arrived unannounced to inspect various spaza shops. In Tshikota alone, 10 supermarkets and six spaza shops were inspected. Only two spaza shops were closed for non-compliance, while numerous unsafe items, including snacks and chemicals, were removed from the shelves. Fake products, such as certain soft drinks and snacks, were also seized.
In a previous report by Limpopo Mirror, Michael Mukwevho, Vhembe District's manager of environmental health services, stated that their department had intensified checks on spaza shops and food vendors, with a focus on high-risk items such as chicken, fish, and meat. Mukwevho encouraged consumers to report suspected fake foods to health authorities.
The closed spaza shops received spot fines: R2,000 for operating without a business license and R3,000 for selling illegal items, including rat poison and other hazardous products. "Consumers should be aware that spaza shops are only permitted to sell groceries. Hazardous products, including alcohol, are not allowed," Mukwevho emphasised.
Food-quality inspections were conducted, and counterfeit products were disposed of at the Makhado landfill site.