A farmer from Mpumalanga, who is accused of repackaging and selling expired and decomposing food to the public, will now share the dock with two of his relatives. Authorities confirmed that Mark Lombard, aged 29, and Sonnet Lombard, aged 46, were arrested this week in connection with the same criminal case that has shocked the community of Charl Cilliers.
Their arrests follow the earlier detention of Pieter Grobler, aged 41, who was apprehended in February 2025 for allegedly distributing expired and rotten food products for human consumption from his farm near Charl Cilliers. Grobler was subsequently granted bail set at R8,000.
The latest arrests were carried out by a coordinated operation led by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit based in Secunda. The team also included members of the Tactical Response Team, Secunda K9 Unit, Charl Cilliers South African Police Service, Secunda Local Criminal Record Centre, and representatives from various affected brand owners.
Following their brief appearance at the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 1 July 2025, Mark and Sonnet Lombard were released on a formal warning. They are expected to stand trial alongside Grobler on 1 August 2025.
[TWO FAMILY MEMBERS JOIN A FARMER ARRESTED FOR REPACKAGING, SELLING EXPIRED AND ROTTEN FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION]
Mark Lombard (29) and Sonnet Lombard (46) have joined a farmer, Pieter Grobler (41), who was released on R8 000 bail after he was arrested for repackaging and… pic.twitter.com/ZZWuER86XW
— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) July 2, 2025
The charges laid against the trio extend beyond the sale of expired food. They reportedly include conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering linked to the broader illicit food trade operating in the area.
“The two suspects allegedly conspired with Grobler to commit fraudulent activities and money laundering,”
confirmed authorities investigating the case.
Law enforcement officials seized a substantial quantity of equipment during Grobler’s arrest. Among the confiscated items were a truck, two light delivery vehicles, seven refrigerators, and various other materials believed to have been used in the illegal repackaging operation.
While investigations remain ongoing, the discovery has raised significant concern among both consumers and industry stakeholders regarding food safety standards and enforcement in the province.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the full extent of the distribution network, nor how long the alleged illegal operation was running before it was dismantled.
Meanwhile, police have urged the public to remain vigilant when purchasing food products and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement. The involvement of family members in the case adds a layer of complexity, suggesting the alleged scheme may have been operated as a family-run enterprise.
