Yesterday, MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tshwaku led a surprise inspection at Devland Cash and Carry, accompanied by former MMC David Tembe, EMS, and City of Johannesburg representatives.
Store employees, speaking anonymously to Zimoja, revealed that expired goods were hastily removed from shelves prior to the inspection, following a tweet from MMC Tshwaku announcing the visit. They questioned the effectiveness of the inspection, suggesting that the store manager and owner were alerted and able to conceal non-compliant products.
Employees at a local retail outlet are speaking out, alleging a hasty attempt to conceal expired goods and illegal hiring practices. Following a cryptic tweet from the Municipal Manager (MMC), workers claim management scrambled to remove outdated products from shelves in a hurried inspection. “It was a superficial sweep, not a thorough cleanse,” an insider revealed. In a shocking admission, another staffer whispered, “The store is rife with undocumented foreign workers. This morning, they were hastily sent home to avoid detection by authorities.” The employees’ claims suggest a culture of non-compliance, sparking concerns about consumer safety and labor law violations.
The inspection uncovered several issues, including a non-compliant fire certificate and food stored on the floor, resulting in a R1,500 fine. Additionally, authorities found cats on premises near food, incurring a R2,500 fine. Some “Goldi” chicken portions lacked expiration dates, which store manager Zaheer Paruk attributed to suppliers.
MMC Tshwaku warned that the operation marks the beginning of a crackdown on non-compliant establishments, stating, “We will not stop here. All non-compliant establishments will be shut down starting November 1.” David Tembe expressed concern about expired food storage, emphasising the need for proper disposal to prevent repackaging and resale.
These inspections come amid recent food poisoning incidents among school children, resulting in fatalities. The operation aims to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and protect public health.
