Thabiso Goba29 November 2024 | 10:58

Gauteng police have shut down 413 spaza shops since beginning of the year, says top cop Mthombeni

On Friday, Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) presented its second quarter crime statistics in Boksburg.

Gauteng police have shut down 413 spaza shops since beginning of the year, says top cop Mthombeni

Five children died after consuming chips bought from a spaza shop in Naledi, Soweto. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - Since the beginning of the year, Gauteng police have closed 413 spaza shops in the province. 

On Friday, Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) presented its second quarter crime statistics in Boksburg.

READ: Ramaphosa says over 1,000 spaza shops, warehouses shut down since sector regulation call

Provincial Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni said law enforcement authorities were serious about curbing food-borne illnesses. 

Mthombeni said provincial police were working closely with government departments to ensure compliance by spaza shop owners.

“From January up until to date we have since closed 413 spaza shops, dealt with 693 for non-compliance and arrested 227 (people) for illegal immigration.”