A multi-disciplinary operation led by the Free State Provincial Organised Crime unit, in collaboration with the Shoprite Group’s investigation team, resulted in the arrest of an 81-year-old man on Thursday, 11 September 2025, for a range of charges including theft, possession of suspected stolen goods, and contraventions of various acts.
The sting operation, which took place at approximately 08:30 in the Bloemfontein Central Business District, involved a search warrant executed at a premises allegedly selling second-hand goods to the public. The operation was a collaborative effort involving members from DESTEA, the Department of Agriculture (Poison Unit), Mangaung Metro, Centlec, the Shoprite Group investigation team, Firearm Liquor Licenses and second-Hand Goods unit, Parkweg Visible Policing, the Provincial Organised Crime unit, and private security.
Upon searching the premises, the joint team discovered a significant quantity of illegal and unauthorized items. These included expired food products and goods, unauthorized medication and products exclusively branded with the Shoprite Group’s logo worth an estimated R110 000, which are not authorized to be sold by a third party.
Harmful and poisonous agricultural products with expired dates, some dating back as far as 2019, found stored alongside food products.
The owner of the establishment was arrested and faces a variety of charges, including Theft, possession of suspected stolen goods, contravention of the second-hand goods Act 6 of 2009,
Contravention of the fertilizers, farm feeds, Agricultural remedies and stock remedies Act 36 of 1947.
The owner was arrested and is expected to appear in court soon.
