Photo Credit: @SAPoliceService/X

South African police have uncovered warehouses in Durban allegedly storing expired food items and prescription medication during raids conducted on Wednesday. The operation comes in the wake of a food poisoning crisis that has claimed the lives of at least 20 children in recent weeks, many of them school pupils.

Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi led the raids, which targeted warehouses suspected of distributing expired products. Authorities are reportedly considering declaring the situation a “national disaster” as concerns grow over food safety.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, responding to the alarming incidents, directed all spaza shops and food handling facilities to register with their local municipalities within 21 days. He also ordered the immediate closure of spaza shops linked to the deaths.

“We need to know who’s bringing [the food] in, where they send it, who they sell it to, and the final destination,” the president stated.

Justice Minister Thembi Simelane revealed that law enforcement has imposed fines and confiscated counterfeit goods in various provinces.

The crisis escalated on Thursday with the death of a five-year-old child in Diepkloof, Soweto, attributed to suspected food poisoning. Three other children are currently receiving treatment.

Since September 2024, there have been 890 reported cases of food-borne illnesses across South Africa. Many of the victims reportedly fell ill after consuming snacks from tuck shops near schools.

In a televised address earlier this month, President Ramaphosa highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue and ensuring accountability within the food supply chain.

Police Affairs Minister Senzo Mchunu commended law enforcement for their “meticulous work” during the raids, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding public health.