TREATMENT Action Campaign (Tac) is calling on the Department of Health to initiate investigations into an alleged syndicate involved in the illegal trade of Antiretrovirals (ARVs), intended for public use.
The call to action comes in the wake of the arrest of two individuals in Welkom, Free State, by local police.
A 54-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman were arrested on Thursday, 18 April, for the unlawful sale of ARVs.
The suspects, who were reportedly traveling from Kimberley in a silver Mercedes-Benz with a Northern Cape registration, were found in possession of 43 bottles and 1 218 ARV pills, valued at approximately R10 000.
Media liaison officer for the Lejweleputswa police Captain Stephen Thakeng confirmed the seizure and highlighted ongoing efforts to fight illegal ARV trade.
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Anele Yawa, Secretary-General of Tac and a human rights activist, condemned the illicit sale of ARVs, accusing the Department of Health of turning a blind eye on the alleged ARV smuggling syndicate.
"Department of Health must engage with the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and the Hawks to launch thorough investigations around the matter. We want to see this syndicate broad to book," he said.
Tac, which oversees one of the world's largest ARV treatment programmes, stresses the importance of ARV treatment in managing HIV/Aids in South Africa.
Mzansi, with approximately 8 million people living with Aids, relies on government-provided ARV treatment through health facilities.
In a related incident, the Hawks arrested seven individuals in Kroonstad in September 2023 for possession of suspected stolen property, including ARVs valued at R480 000.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) is continuing its investigation into these and other related cases, emphasising a need for comprehensive action.
