KEY POINTS
- The arrested farmer who dealt with expired food received R8,000 bail after his detention.
- The authorities discovered extensive amounts of expired raw meat and dairy products in warehouses.
- Further investigation will continue until the next hearing takes place on March 27.
A Mpumalanga farmer Pieter Johannes Grobler received bail in the amount of R8,000 because the authorities accused him of handling and selling spoiled and outdated food products.
Two warehouses operated by Hawks investigators and health inspectors and law enforcement authorities held multiple cold storage containers full of expired meat, chicken and dairy products.
The authorities arrested Grobler on Wednesday then held him in custody through the following night before he presented himself to the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The court decided to send his case investigations to March 27, 2025 for proceedings. Grobler faces additional requirements to meet the police weekly for reporting and turn in his documents allowing travel.
Authorities commend swift action
The operation drew support from Major General Nico Gerberwho served as Mpumalanga Hawks Provincial Head while describing the action as saving the citizens from a possible public health disaster because of hazardous food.
Authorities seek to discover the additional people who became victims through this fraudulent scheme.
