The police are investigating the origin of pills that were allegedly found by two children in a packet of chips purchased from a spaza shop in Chabagae Street in Club 2000 on December 2.
THE POLICE are investigating the source of pills that were reportedly discovered by two children inside a packet of chips purchased from a spaza shop in Chabagae Street in Club 2000 earlier this week.
The chairperson of Operation Fiela, Thabisho Louw, stated that the shop was shut down as it was found to be non-compliant following an inspection that was conducted by health inspectors as well as the local ward councillor, Nomizizi Shwababa, and members of Operation Fiela.
SAPS provincial spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said that the police in Galeshewe have opened an enquiry for investigation after pills were allegedly found in a packet of chips purchased at a spaza shop in Club 2000 on Monday.
This incident is not isolated, as similar cases of pills and tablets being found in food products allegedly purchased from spaza shops have been reported in Bloemanda and Kenhardt, raising alarm in the province and city over the safety of snacks sold to children.
The Galeshewe police recently opened an enquiry after a 14-year-old child allegedly found a white tablet inside a biscuit packet purchased from a spaza shop in Bloemanda. The incident occurred on November 12.
Community members expressed concerns about potential drug sales to children, with residents attempting to shut down the shop.
In a separate case, two white pills were reportedly discovered inside a packet of chips bought by learners from Kenhardt Primary School on November 5.
The Northern Cape police and Environmental Health Inspectors are investigating the matter, while the Department of Education raised concerns about food safety. MEC Abraham Vosloo called on parents and schools to ensure learners consume safe food, emphasising vigilance to avoid potential health risks.
These incidents highlight growing concerns about the safety of food products sold at informal shops and by vendors, prompting investigations and calls for stricter compliance measures.
