Lentswe, Klerksdorp - Shocking hygiene violations, including live crabs found in a refrigerator, raw frozen meat left directly on the floor in butchery areas, and the discovery of fake branded clothing for sale, were uncovered during a special cleanup operation by the Matlosana Municipality on Friday January 16. The raid at the taxi rank used for commuters to Tigane in the Noorkom Centre in North Street, Klerksdorp led to two premises being immediately prohibited from trading due to severe non-compliance and poor hygiene. The operation, part of the City’s ongoing efforts to enforce municipal by-laws and national legislation, was led by Steven Mpato, Assistant Director for Fire and Rescue Services, alongside various law enforcement and compliance teams. Its primary objective was to promote public health, safety, and a clean trading environment for commuters, residents, and visitors.
During the extensive sweep, officials identified and confiscated a significant quantity of expired food items, which posed a serious health risk to consumers. Beyond the alarming food handling practices, including the explicit visual evidence of live crabs in a fridge and raw meat on the floor, authorities also discovered the sale of counterfeit branded clothing.
In addition to the immediate closure of two businesses, two undocumented foreign nationals were apprehended during the operation and are currently being processed in line with relevant legal procedures.
Ntswaki Makgetha, municipal spokesperson, said the municipality reiterates its firm commitment to protecting consumer health and safety. Law enforcement teams remain resolute in their mandate to act decisively against practices that endanger the well-being of the public. Business owners operating within the municipality are strongly urged to comply with all municipal by-laws and national regulations, including health, safety, and immigration requirements.
She confirmed that similar operations will be conducted across Matlosana to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the interests of all residents and visitors.
