A Durban CBD business owner faces serious consequences after law enforcement and health officials uncovered expired baby food, hidden cash, and illegal cigarettes during a surprise inspection.
The Durban Metro Police Service (By-law Enforcement Unit), working in collaboration with the Department of Health, swooped on a supermarket and takeaway on Smith Street in the city centre following a complaint about expired food products being sold to the public.
Spokesperson for the Durban Metro Police Service (DMPS), Colonel Boysie Zungu, said: “During the inspection, officers discovered a large quantity of expired baby food, cereals, and porridges, some of which were displayed for sale. The business owner voluntarily surrendered the expired goods to the Health Department for disposal.
“Authorities also uncovered approximately R70,000 in cash hidden inside a pillow, as well as suspected illegal cigarettes, which were seized pending verification by Customs officials.”
According to Col Zungu, the business was operating without a valid business licence or Certificate of Acceptability (COA).
“A total of 73 bags of expired food items were confiscated for safe disposal by DSW, with disposal costs to be borne by the owner. The inspection confirmed multiple by-law and health violations. The relevant departments will continue with follow-up investigations and enforcement actions,” he said.
Col Zungu commended the swift collaboration between Metro Police and the Health Department, adding: “DMPS applauds the Health Department for their quick intervention and commitment to protecting public health and consumer safety.”
