Twelve individuals accused of selling expired food and trafficking illicit cigarettes are set to appear in the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court in Soekmekaar, Limpopo. The suspects were remanded in custody on Tuesday as authorities verify their immigration status.
Some of the accused were fined R2000 for selling expired food products. The arrests were made during an operation carried out in Botlokwa, a town within the Dipateneng section.
According to Provincial Police Spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba, the operation targeted several businesses, including a general dealer, a wholesaler, and a supermarket in the area. “Expired products were confiscated, and at one supermarket, repacking and tampering with expiry dates were also discovered,” Ledwaba said.
The operation led to the arrest of five individuals for selling expired food, four for possessing illicit cigarettes, and three for contravening the Immigration Act.
The accused appeared before the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court, facing charges of selling expired food, possessing illicit cigarettes, and illegal immigration.