Alex Metro Butchery in the Wynberg precinct was shut down due to non-compliance. Since reopening, it has been struggling to attract customers.
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero stated that dogs were being illegally kept on the premises without identification tags or valid veterinary certificates, and the SPCA intervened to impound them.
“Due to the severity of these violations, immediate enforcement action was taken to safeguard public health, workplace safety, and animal welfare,” Morero’s statement read.
The butchery, which was served with a certificate of non-compliance and closure during the city’s operation in Wynberg on January 14, was previously warned in 2025 during the city’s Wynberg enforcement operation about keeping products unsuitable for consumption on the shelves. Then, regional director Makgafela Thaba flagged unsuitable stock on shelves, including products lacking expiry dates, such as canned foods, and perishable items. He gave the owner time to fix the issues and ensure compliance. However, Wednesday’s inspection showed zero improvement – and worse.
In January, it was discovered that the butchery still had fish products which past their sell-by dates. These, according to Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, were seized and confiscated. Other issues, not flagged in last year’s operation, were also uncovered, compounding the butchery’s list of violations.
In a brief statement shared on social media, Morero said the butchery was also in violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, due to the store’s failure to regularly service fire extinguishers. The butchery’s fire hose reels did not work and needed servicing.
“There is no water coming out of that item. When they do their braai here, utilising gas – a highly inflammable substance – they will not be able to put out any form of fire, which means our people are also in danger.”
Bongi Sikelo 