Gauteng's Department of Social Development has condemned the theft and illegal sale of food parcels intended for vulnerable households, after government-issued relief supplies were allegedly discovered being sold at an Ethiopian-owned tuckshop in Magaliesburg.
Image: Picture: Ayanda Ndamane/African News Agency/ANA
Gauteng’s Department of Social Development has condemned the theft and illegal sale of food parcels meant for vulnerable households, after government-issued relief supplies were allegedly found being sold at a Magaliesburg tuckshop owned by an Ethiopian national.
The incident, reported on 26 May 2026, has led to arrests and a criminal investigation as authorities work to establish how essential food aid intended for poor families ended up in private hands.
Police responded to reports of community unrest and suspected stolen goods at a tuckshop on Vuyani Street, where residents had gathered outside the premises raising concerns about the sale of government-issued groceries.
Community members alleged that the goods sold to the shop owner were in fact government-issued food parcels meant for distribution to vulnerable households through the Department of Social Development.
The department said the premises were searched in the presence of police and local leadership, where the goods were identified by the ward councillor as official food parcels intended for beneficiaries. Suspects were arrested on the scene, and a case was opened at Magaliesburg Police Station.
Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, described the incident as a direct attack on vulnerable communities who rely on government assistance.
“The theft and illegal sale of food parcels meant for the poor is not only immoral but also a serious criminal offence. Those who steal food intended for struggling families are effectively stealing from the hungry, the elderly, children, and vulnerable households who rely on these interventions for dignity and survival,” she said.
The MEC said the department will take a zero-tolerance approach to corruption within social relief programmes, warning that anyone implicated, including officials, service providers, or private individuals will face prosecution.
“I want to state it categorically clear that any government official, service provider or individual found involved in the theft, diversion, sale, or illegal possession of food parcels will face the full might of the law. There will be no protection for criminality, regardless of who is involved,” she said.
She added that the conduct constitutes serious criminal offences under anti-corruption laws, public finance legislation, and common law provisions relating to theft and possession of stolen property.
The MEC further warned that anyone found buying or selling stolen government goods would also face criminal charges.
While condemning the crime, Nkomo-Ralehoko cautioned against violence or mob justice, urging communities to allow law enforcement to handle the matter.
“We condemn any acts of violence, mob justice, or attacks directed at any individual, irrespective of nationality. South Africa remains a constitutional democracy founded on human dignity, equality, and the rule of law. However, communities have every right to reject criminal activities that deprive vulnerable residents of assistance meant for them,” she said.
Authorities have praised residents and local leadership for assisting police in exposing the alleged wrongdoing.
“It is encouraging to see community leaders, councillors and residents working together with the police to expose wrongdoing and protect resources meant for the poor. We commend the councillor for acting decisively and responsibly in support of justice and accountability,” the MEC added.
The department said it will now intensify oversight of food distribution systems and strengthen monitoring measures to prevent further theft or diversion of relief supplies.
It also confirmed plans to enhance coordination with SAPS, Community Safety, municipalities and other enforcement agencies to improve compliance across the supply chain.
Stricter security measures will be introduced at storage and distribution points, alongside improved tracking systems aimed at improving transparency and accountability in food parcel distribution.
“We are implementing stronger systems to safeguard food assistance programmes from criminal infiltration. Technology and improved monitoring systems will assist the Department to track food movement, improve accountability and prevent diversion of resources intended for vulnerable communities,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The Star
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