Inspectors from the Department of Health and traffic officers seized a huge quantity of food that was not fit for human consumption from Indian businessmen on Wednesday last week.

Bakkies of the businessmen flocked in large numbers to supply food to the rural areas, but they were not lucky as they were stopped in an operation that took place at Khubvi, north of Thohoyandou. The food, mainly bread, was destroyed and buried into a large pit that was dug by a special grader near Mbwedi River.

The Indian businessmen used uncovered bakkies to carry a mixture of bread, meat, cement, insecticides and other building material. Some were on their way to the dusty remote rural villages as far as Tshipako and Masisi, with the bread on the back of their bakkies. The operation came after a huge uproar from community members who informed the authorities that people were consuming unhealthy food from Indian shops.

More than 10 bakkies were stopped during the operation and some of them even carried bread without plastic bags and zink toilets together. Some were fully packed in the back and in the front, with only space for the driver left.

Another Indian man at the scene argued that it was difficult to hire a bakery delivery vehicle for his bread because he only makes a little commission. "We are only helping the poor people of the rural areas by bringing cheaper bread to them. Why do they stop us now? We were supposed to have already opened our shops now but we are delayed for no apparent reasons. I think these people are jealous because our businesses are blossoming."

The provincial spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Development, Mr Phuti Seloba, confirmed the operation. He said the operation was primarily done to save the lives of community members who have the right to buy healthy food. "Those involved in the same practice are subject to the strongest penalties because they are breaking the laws of the country."