WATCH | Howick tuck shop closed after food exposed to paraffin fumes

A tuck shop in KwaHhaza near Mpophomeni, Howick, was shut down on Wednesday after authorities discovered food contaminated with paraffin following an alleged attempted arson attack. Despite the incident the previous night, the shop continued trading, with bread, cabbage, and snacks still on display; all exposed to strong paraffin fumes. The contamination was uncovered during a multi-agency compliance operation led by uMngeni Municipality deputy mayor Sandile Mnikathi.

Mnikathi said the discovery posed a serious health risk to the community, particularly children. “It’s concerning that, had we not visited this shop, residents would have bought this food. Some of the confiscated items include snacks likely to be bought by children who would not understand the danger of consuming food contaminated with paraffin,” he said.

The shop owner, who lives in the same building, narrowly escaped injury during the alleged attack. The structure has only one door, where paraffin was allegedly poured, and no windows. “Had the plan to set this shop alight succeeded, this man could have burnt to death.

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We call on communities to refrain from such conduct,” Mnikathi added. Several people inside the shop during the inspection were reportedly left smelling of paraffin after being exposed to the contaminated environment. Authorities ordered the immediate closure of the shop and instructed the owner to thoroughly clean the premises before reopening.

A follow-up inspection will be conducted to ensure compliance. Mnikathi also raised concern about growing tensions in communities, warning against residents taking the law into their own hands in efforts to remove undocumented foreign nationals.

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