Counterfeit Food Operation Uncovered in Johannesburg CBD Raid

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers have dismantled an illegal operation in the city centre that involved repackaging expired food products and stealing municipal infrastructure, highlighting ongoing challenges with counterfeit goods and cable theft in the inner city.

During a routine high-impact operation, officers at the corner of Edith Cavell and Plein Streets pursued fleeing vendors into a building that served as a hub for both counterfeit food processing and infrastructure crime. JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca described the discovery as “not just a violation of municipal bylaws, but a direct and dangerous assault on the health and safety of our residents.”

Investigators found large quantities of expired juices and yoghurts being chemically treated to erase original expiry dates before new, extended stickers were applied. Brands seized included Sitra juices (with falsified “best before” dates into October 2025), Parmalat, and NutriDay yoghurts. Such practices pose serious health risks, particularly to consumers relying on informal vendors for affordable products.

In addition, officers recovered substantial lengths of cut electrical cables believed to be stolen from City Power infrastructure – thefts that contribute directly to Johannesburg’s frequent power disruptions. All items were confiscated, and investigations are continuing in coordination with other law enforcement agencies. No arrests were announced in the initial statement.

The City of Johannesburg is sustaining efforts to reclaim the CBD from illegal trading, hijacked buildings, counterfeit syndicates, and infrastructure-related crime. Similar operations in recent months have targeted undocumented trading, expired goods in spaza shops, and cable theft networks across Gauteng.

Commissioner Jaca urged residents to remain vigilant when purchasing goods from unregulated vendors, especially dairy and juice products with unclear or suspicious packaging. The JMPD has called on the public to report suspicious activity through its hotlines: 011 375 5918 or 0800 002 587.