READ UPDATE HERE

MBOMBELA - South Africa’s social media is abuzz about a posting by well-known Mbombela businesswoman, Mildri Parker Potgieter, on the Facebook group, Nelspruiters, last week. In her post, she alleges that food her husband had bought at the I’langa Mall branch of the popular Wimpy family restaurant apparently contained a substance that smelled like human faeces.

Below is a screenshot of the entry which is accompanied by exclamations such as, “I’langa Mall Wimpy!! Boycott them”, and “GAAN ONS ILANGA MALL SE WIMPY TOEMAAK? Deel die plasing dat dit bars!!! and “Ek sal dit op Facebook en Twitter plaas en op al wat Nelspruit se advertensie-plekke. Dit kos net 'n paar minute van jou tyd”, to name but a few. These postings went viral on social media.

Africa InTouch News sent Potgieter a voicemail on WhatsApp requesting her to contact us, as she did not answer her calls. At the time of the placing of this article we were still awaiting a response.

Africa InTouch News then spoke telephonically to Jacques Cronje, marketing executive for Wimpy. Cronje confirmed that they have launched a full investigation into the allegations related to food tampering at their I’langa Mall branch. “As a business, we can assure you that we have strict operational policies and procedures in place to ensure that our restaurants uphold the highest standards of food quality and safety,” Cronje said. He continued, “Due to the seriousness of this allegation, all parties involved, together with head office, are working together to investigate every element.”

Wimpy said it would like to assure their customers that, based on the findings, appropriate action will be taken. “We appreciate your patience during this time,” their official statement read.

Editor: Anchen Coetzee
Subeditor: Lynette Brink