‘Unsanitary’ cow hide cooking site shut down in Joburg

Authorities have shut down an illegal food production site in Johannesburg’s inner city where cow hides and heels were being cooked and cleaned under “extremely” unhygienic and unsanitary conditions.

“The food produced at the site was reportedly being sold to residents in the inner city, posing a serious public health risk,” the City of Johannesburg said in a statement.

Due to the unsafe conditions and health concerns, City teams assisted Environmental Health officials in shutting down the cow hide facility.

Illegal gold refinery uncovered in Joburg’s inner city

The inspection formed part of a broader operation targeting illegal mining activities and related offences in the area.

The operation was undertaken in collaboration with the South African Police Service and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.

During the operation, three people were arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining.

Authorities also traced a premises believed to be linked to a suspected kingpin involved in refining gold sourced from illegal mining operations.

After starting at M2 Mooi Street, officials proceeded to a property on Cornelious Street, where tools and equipment believed to be used for purchasing and refining gold were discovered.

The items were confiscated as part of an ongoing investigation.

City officials said the joint operation aims to clamp down on illegal mining networks while addressing environmental violations and by-law offences in the inner city.

Johannesburg authorities warned that enforcement operations targeting illegal mining and related activities will continue.