Western Cape police is urging the public to purchase medication only from registered providers.

This is after the discovery of illegal medication being sold in Nyanga, Western Cape.

“SAPS in the Western Cape warns the public against buying medication from street vendors, as it is illegally sold, possibly expired, and could be hazardous to their health and wellbeing.

“On Monday, members of Operation Prosper conducted foot patrols when they found a 38-year-old man in possession of, and illegally selling medication out of boxes at Nyanga Junction Transportation Hub. Upon closer inspection, it was found that some of the medicine was past its expiry date, which in and of itself poses a huge health risk and can be fatal if consumed,” police said in a social media post.

The suspect was subsequently arrested and, according to police, “could not state from where he obtained the medication”.

“The public is strongly urged to refrain from purchasing medicine from unregistered individuals and premises and is instead encouraged to obtain medication from pharmacies and authorised suppliers which operate from within a controlled environment.

“The suspect will appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court for contravening the Medicines Act once charged,” police noted.

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