A shocking discovery has led to the arrest of a 30-year-old farmer in Mpumalanga, accused of repackaging expired and rotten food for human consumption. The Hawks' Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation, in collaboration with the SAPS, received a tip-off about the farmer's alleged activities.¹
According to reports, the farmer would collect expired food from chain stores and distributors, claiming it was for animal feed. However, upon investigation, authorities found two warehouses packed with rotten food, including expired canned goods, rotten meat, and dairy products.
The scope of the operation was alarming, with:
- *Four cold rooms* filled with expired products
- *1,000 crates* of expired dairy products
- *Seven freezers* containing repackaged wheat, flour, and maize meal
- *Equipment* for vacuuming, scales, and plastic sealers
- *Stickers and pricing machines* used for repackaging
Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that the repackaged food posed a significant risk to communities.
The investigation is ongoing, with the Hawks conducting a thorough examination of the vehicles used in the operation.
