Health authorities have moved to quash viral social media claims that South Africa’s public healthcare system is distributing BronCleer, a codeine-based cough syrup, insisting the medication is strictly controlled and only available through private or illegal channels.
The clarification comes amid a police bust in Kimberley that uncovered a stash of unregistered medicines - including BronCleer - being sold unlawfully by unlicensed operators.
City of Tshwane's MMC for Health Services, Tshegofatso Mashabela, has dismissed claims circulating on social media about public healthcare facilities in South Africa distributing BronCleer, a codeine-based cough syrup.
Mashabela clarified that BronCleer is a controlled substance and not included in the official formularies or procurement lists of any government hospitals or clinics.
“Government facilities adhere strictly to regulations regarding controlled substances, and there is no documentation supporting the claim that BronCleer is supplied through public healthcare channels,” she said.
“We urge the public to rely on verified information and official sources. Spreading misinformation can undermine public trust and divert attention from legitimate health initiatives.”
Reports indicate that BronCleer found in communities typically originates from private pharmacies, illicit sales, or cross-border trafficking rather than the public health sector.
The clarification follows a recent police operation in Galeshewe, Kimberley, where Public Order Police acted on a tip-off about suspicious activities. Upon arrival, they summoned the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (Hawks) Serious Organised Crime Investigations team, which uncovered a large consignment of unregistered medicines and nearly R160 000 in cash.
The seized items included 114 bottles of Painogon syrup, 100 bottles of Stilpaine syrup, 100 bottles of BronCleer syrup, 30 bottles of Lenazine Forte syrup, and 431 Mylon tablets, reportedly sold at R60 per bottle.
During the raid, officers also detected the strong smell of high-grade dagga coming from another room in the same yard. A search also revealed large quantities of cannabis, estimated to be worth about R90 000.
It was confirmed that Zimbabwean nationals allegedly ran an illegal pharmacy and dispensed medicine without proper qualifications, in violation of the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act.
“Police arrested a couple of Zimbabwean nationals. It is reported that the two operated an illegal pharmacy and dispensed medicine without any qualifications in contravention of sections of the Medicine Control Act. The couple, both aged 34, will make their first court appearance on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Kimberley Magistrate's Court.”
Saturday Star