The Free State Department of Economic and Environmental Affairs has launched a stringent operation targeting businesses flouting immigration laws, health and safety regulations, and selling illicit goods in the Bloemfontein CBD.
In a joint operation with the Mangaung Metro’s power utility CENTLEC, municipal environmental health inspectors, SAPS, and Home Affairs immigration officials, authorities raided multiple stores, confiscating counterfeit and non-compliant products, including illicit cigarettes, fake TVs, and unregulated paraffin heaters.
Non-Compliance and Illegal Operations Exposed
Economic and Environmental Affairs MEC Ketso Makume revealed that one store was shut down after operating an unlicensed in-house bakery. The raid also uncovered illegal electricity and water connections, as well as products that had not undergone the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) certification process.
“We have discovered a lot of illegal activities—from unauthorized utilities to underground storage facilities that pose serious risks to public safety,” Makume said. “These products have not been standardized, endangering lives.”
Stricter Enforcement Ahead
The department has vowed to lay criminal charges against non-compliant business owners and ensure confiscated goods are destroyed rather than resold. Makume emphasized that the crackdown aims to protect the provincial economy from the damaging effects of illicit trade.
“We will not allow these illegal products back on our shelves,” he stated.
The operation signals a tougher stance on unlawful business practices in the Free State, with further inspections expected in the coming weeks.
