A manager of a liquor store in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, fled during a raid conducted by the Mnquma Municipality, which uncovered expired products on the shelves.
The operation targeted both the Spar and Tops liquor stores in the area.
According to municipal spokesperson Loyiso Mpalantshane, the authorities seized several expired goods, including alcoholic beverages and hygiene bar soaps. Some items had expiration dates dating back as far as 2021.
The seized products included Heineken beer cans, which had expired in September of the previous year, along with Graca De Ouro and 4th Street canned wines, as well as Hunter’s ciders. Hygiene products, such as soaps, were being sold under a “buy one, get one free” offer.
The store owner was fined R2,500 each for selling expired alcohol and hygiene products. Mpalantshane noted that this was not the first time the store had been found selling expired goods, leading to the manager’s decision to flee during the raid. No arrests have been made at this stage.
Mpalantshane called on community members with information about illegal alcohol outlets or violations of municipal by-laws to report them, either anonymously or directly to the Head of Law Enforcement, Zamile Lolo.
He emphasized that law enforcement officers mainly rely on intelligence gathering and regular inspections to identify those engaged in the sale of expired goods. Repeat offenders face severe penalties, including fines and the permanent revocation of business permits.
In November of the previous year, the municipality held a workshop at the Butterworth Town Hall, where over 500 business owners were briefed on municipal by-laws, health and safety regulations, and other legal standards. The initiative was well received by the local business community.
Expired goods, deemed a health hazard, are disposed of at a site certified by health inspectors from the Amathole District Municipality to ensure the safety of the public, particularly children.
SPAR Group’s National PR, Communications, and Sponsorship Manager, Mpudi Maubane, confirmed that 15 cases of the alcoholic beverage were confiscated from the Tops at Spar in Butterworth. SPAR is currently investigating the matter in collaboration with store management and will take appropriate action based on the findings. Maubane stressed that SPAR is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety for its customers.