Acting Premier of the Free State province Jabu Mbalula joined the Provincial Commissioner of the Free State Province Lieutenant-General Baile Motswenyane during an operation in the Bloemfontein Central Business District (CBD) on an operation mainly focused on the inspection of tuck shops.
The primary focus of the operation was to inspect the tuck shops for compliance and investigate the sale of illicit and expired food. Government has raised concerns over recent incidents where children in the country have fallen ill and even died after consuming food purchased from tuck shops.
Acting Premier Mbalula and Provincial Commissioner Motswenyane also extended the operation to combat other criminal activities in the central business district.
The operation yielded positive results and arrests were effected as follows:
• 1 x drunk and driving
• 6 x drug related
• 1 x dealing in drugs
• 1x possession of dangerous weapon
• 14x illegal immigrants
• 3 x employing foreigners without work permits
• 10 x liquor outlets visited with 4 x non compliance
• 2 x spaza shops fined for 1 x medicine related contravention and 1 x counterfeit goods.
• VCP: 23x traffic fines issued
• 16 x vehicles impounded
• 2 x Possession of Imitation Firearm
Acting Premier Mbalula urged residents of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and Free Staters as whole to purchase food at reputable outlets to avoid potentially putting themselves at risk.
He emphasised that every citizen deserves protection and reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing compliance amongst tuck shops owners and addressing the issue of illegal foreign nationals.
Mr Mbalula highlighted the recent launch of the Safer Festive Season campaign in Free State, stressing the need for collective efforts to ensure public safety. He concluded by stating that similar operations would be conducted across the province targeting the sale of expired and contaminated food to ensure public safety and enforce compliance.
The operation was attended by different stakeholders including officials from the Department of Home Affairs and members of the South African Police Service.
Free State residents must be protected – acting Premier Mbalula https://t.co/TPhwx5uEwt#ArriveAlive #FreeState #RoadSafety pic.twitter.com/cTX3WXbLmU
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 18, 2024
