MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko Condemns Theft and Illegal Sale of Food Parcels Meant for Vulnerable Communities

The Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Ms Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, strongly condemns the theft, looting and illegal sale of food parcels intended for poor and vulnerable members of society, following an incident reported in Magaliesburg on 26 May 2026. A criminal case has been opened against the individual of the department involved in this act.

According to information received from the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers from the Magaliesburg SAPS responded to allegations of community unrest and possible possession of suspected stolen property at a tuckshop situated at 578 Vuyani Street, Magaliesburg. Upon arrival, police found community members gathered outside the premises raising concerns that groceries allegedly sold to the shop owner, an Ethiopian national, were food parcels intended for distribution to needy community members through the Department of Social Development.

The tuckshop was subsequently opened in the presence of the police, and the alleged food parcels were identified by the local ward councillor as goods intended for community beneficiaries. Suspects have since been arrested and a criminal case has officially been opened at the Magaliesburg Police Station.

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko has described the incident as a direct attack on poor and vulnerable residents who depend on government social relief programmes for survival. “The theft and illegal sale of food parcels meant for the poor is not only immoral, but 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,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.

The MEC emphasized that the Gauteng Department of Social Development maintains a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, theft, fraud and any form of criminality within its programmes and systems. “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,” said the MEC.

The MEC further emphasized that the unlawful possession and sale of state resources constitutes criminal conduct in terms of various pieces of legislation, including the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (Act No. 12 of 2004), the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999), as well as offences relating to theft and possession of suspected stolen property under the Criminal Procedure Act and common law.

The MEC further stated that businesses and individuals who knowingly purchase or sell stolen government goods are equally guilty of criminal conduct and may face prosecution. While condemning all forms of violence, intimidation and attacks against any human being, including foreign nationals who are migrants living in South Africa, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko commended the community of Magaliesburg for taking a stand against criminality and the sale of stolen goods in their community. “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,” said the MEC.

The MEC also commended the ward councillor and community leadership structures for working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible are brought to book. “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,” she added.

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko announced that the Department of Social Development will urgently convene engagements with all relevant stakeholders to strengthen oversight and enforcement measures aimed at protecting food distribution systems and social relief programmes. These engagements will include the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, local municipalities, municipal law enforcement agencies, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, consumer protection authorities, community policing forums, ward councillors and other relevant government stakeholders.

The Department and its partners will intensify continuous compliance inspections and monitoring operations at shops, tuckshops, wholesalers and food outlets to ensure that no stolen food parcels or government-issued relief items are being traded illegally. The MEC further confirmed that the Department is strengthening security measures at all facilities and storage sites where food parcels and humanitarian assistance are stored and distributed.

In addition, the Gauteng Department of Social Development is accelerating efforts towards the digitalisation of food distribution systems, storage management and tracking mechanisms to improve accountability, transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. “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 MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.

The MEC reiterated that the government remains firmly committed to fighting hunger, poverty and inequality through social security interventions and food distribution programmes across Gauteng. “It is deeply concerning that while government is working tirelessly to fight poverty and provide relief to struggling households, criminal elements are simultaneously working to undermine these efforts by diverting food assistance into criminal activities for profit. We will not allow criminals to overshadow or sabotage programmes designed to restore dignity and support vulnerable communities,” concluded MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.