File: Glasses with alcohol on the counter of a bar. Frank May/dpa Picture-Alliance via AFP
EAST LONDON - Buffalo City Metro authorities are out in full force every week checking if spaza shop owners are complying with health regulations.
The raids are not only about expired foods or whether pharmaceuticals and pesticides are sold illegally but also alcohol.
Shops and even people's homes have become illegal distilleries.
Several arrests have been made across the province in recent months.
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Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the assistance of the community and the trademark representative has been helpful in nabbing suspects.
"They are assisting us a lot in giving out the information and in making sure that those labels that are in the gin or liquor can be identified so that they can be separated from the legitimate liquor," Mlakuvana said.
But despite this, authorities battle with residents providing tip-offs to suspects. T
Some businesses conveniently close shop whenever raids are about to take place.
Buffalo City Municipality offiial Ncumisa Qola condemned this much like authorities who have condemned fake alcohol production.
Ronald Masinda FILED THIS REPORT