In a shocking breakthrough, South African authorities have discovered a warehouse in Durban storing food items contaminated with hazardous chemicals, potentially linked to the deaths of school children who consumed snacks from illegal foreign national-owned tuck shops.
The warehouse, located on the Bluff in Durban, was found to be storing food items such as canned fish, fizzy drinks, soya beans, baby food, and spices alongside poisonous chemicals like pesticides. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that investigations are underway to identify those responsible for importing expired and counterfeit food.
Key Findings:
- Counterfeit Goods: Two warehouses storing counterfeit big-brand clothing items worth millions of rand were discovered.
- Toxic Food: Food items contaminated with hazardous chemicals were found, potentially linked to child deaths.
- Expired and Counterfeit Products: Antibiotics with questionable lifespans and unknown products were discovered.
The government has urged spaza shop owners to register their businesses within 21 days, with the registration process currently underway nationwide. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) plays a crucial role in administering prohibitions and restrictions on goods, including counterfeit items.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to ensuring public safety and holding accountable those responsible for putting lives at risk.
