City tightens net on non-compliant spaza shops

The City of Johannesburg has intensified its crackdown on non-compliant spaza shops through a multi-disciplinary by-law enforcement operation in Drieziek, Orange Farm. The operation targeted businesses operating around the Drieziek Transport Facility and surrounding areas following concerns relating to health, safety and compliance violations.

The inspection brought together several City departments and law enforcement units, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Environmental Health Services, CRUM Region G, Planning Control and Law Enforcement, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Building Development Management, TDP Security Services, Augmented Field Services and Emergency Management Services (EMS).

During the operation, officials uncovered several serious non-compliance issues at the inspected stores. At one premises, authorities discovered multiple gas cylinders being stored on site, including four 48kg gas bottles, five 9kg gas bottles and one 3kg gas bottle. Officials raised concerns around the safety risks associated with the storage and handling of gas cylinders in business premises without the necessary compliance measures in place.

At another store, officials found that the business was operated by a foreigner with asylum documentation. During the inspection, it was also observed that the operator appeared to be residing in the same premises used for commercial grocery trading.

Environmental Health identified additional hygiene concerns after finding a pet cat inside the grocery store, which is regarded as unsuitable in an environment where food is stored and sold to the public.

Officials further discovered several expired food items on the premises, including Stameta, vegetables, soft porridge and tomato sauce. The sale of expired food products was flagged as a serious risk to public health and consumer safety. As a result of the various violations identified, stores inspected for non-compliance were shut down.

The City has indicated that follow-up inspections will be conducted next week to assess whether the businesses have addressed the identified contraventions and complied with the necessary by-laws and health regulations.

Residents are encouraged to continue reporting suspicious or non-compliant business activities within their communities, as community complaints and tip-offs play a vital role in helping authorities act swiftly against unlawful operations.

Written by Dr Farhin Delawala
25/05/2026

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