Departmental spokesperson, Kgotso Tau, says this is in efforts to revitalise the township economy.

He confirms the majority of spaza shops closed down in the areas of Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu, Bultfontein, Reddersburg, Smithfield, Bothavillle and Bloemfontein were owned by foreign nationals.

Tau says the biggest challenge remains foreign-owned shops, which seem to violate legislation by operating without municipal permits coupled with contravention of Covid-19 regulations.

His statement follows an unannounced visit by MEC Makalo Mohale, together with the Health Department and the Mangaung Metro on Monday and Tuesday.

The department has further confirmed these inspections not only saw hundreds of illegal tuck shops closed in these towns, but saw hundreds of illegal migrants taken by officials from the Department of Home Affairs.

Tau confirms many of the owners of these shops were further found in possession of expired, fake and illicit goods.

He, in a statement, highlights "one backroom factory in W Section in Botshabelo was found illegally brewing cold drinks labelled as Coca Cola. The biggest concern is that some of these illegal activities happen with the full knowledge of residents. Most of these shops are also used as bedrooms".

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