This, in efforts to revive the township economy. The team, led by MEC Makalo Mohale, together with the Health Department and the Mangaung Metro, on Monday embarked on an inspection that saw hundreds of illegal tuckshops in Botshabelo closed down and illegal migrants taken by officials from the Department of Home Affairs.

Mohale has confirmed these inspections led to the closure of several shops owned by foreign nationals as they were operating without municipal permits.

The owners of these shops were further found in possession of expired, fake and illicit goods.

"Two backroom factories were found in which cold drinks were manufactured and labelled as Coca Cola, as well as other unbranded goods. Most of these shops are also used as bedrooms," said Mohale.

The inspections in Botshabelo come just months after OFM News reported on the similar initiatives that took place in Bultfontein, Reddersburg, Smithfield, Bothavillle and Bloemfontein - where several shop owners were also found guilty of flouting health and safety regulations as well as contravening Covid-19 regulations.

The department alludes that they aim to transform the economy, create a prosperous society and that these inspections will be continuing in a different town on Tuesday.

OFM News