CAPE TOWN – Five Malawian nationals and a Chinese man are expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court today, following the discovery of an illegal liquor manufacturing operation in Durbanville. City of Cape Town safety officials confiscated over 2,000 litres of home-made gin during the bust.
The arrests were made on Monday by Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs) after the City’s Public Emergency Call Centre (PECC) received a tip-off from members of the community reporting suspicious activity at a residential property.
According to JP Smith, the City of Cape Town Mayco member for Safety and Security, the discovery came after a community tip-off to the Public Emergency Call Centre (PECC) about suspicious activity at the property.
"The NSO officers responded and, on their arrival, were granted permission to enter the property. Once inside, they discovered 11 large drums filled with the gin as well as a machine seemingly being used to distil the alcohol," Smith explained.
Further investigation revealed that the suspects had been collecting bottles from two well-known alcohol brands and were allegedly repackaging the home-made liquor to be sold under those brand names.
Three men and two women, aged between 18 and 39, were initially arrested on charges of illegal manufacturing of alcohol, contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act, and possession of presumed stolen property. Authorities later confirmed that the homeowner, a Chinese national, was also arrested in connection with the illegal operation.
The scene was handed over to Durbanville SAPS (South African Police Service) for further investigation. Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the arrests, stating, “Durbanville SAPS is investigating a case of illegal manufacturing of alcohol after a manufacturing plant was uncovered by the City of Town’s Metro Police on Monday.”
Twigg added, "The discovery of this plant will be used as a stepping stone to uncover more illegal manufacturing plants in this illicit industry."
The seized liquor will be sent for forensic analysis to determine its contents. Smith warned of the serious dangers posed by counterfeit alcohol.
“Counterfeit alcohol is extremely dangerous and often contains toxic substances which can lead to severe health issues and even death," Smith stated. "I applaud the NSOs for their swift action in this regard. The scene was handed over to Durbanville SAPS for further investigations.”
Smith also said, “The officers arrested three males and two females aged between 18 and 39 on charges of illegal manufacturing of alcohol, contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act and possession of presumed stolen property. The suspects are expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. In addition, the suspected counterfeit liquor will now be sent for forensic analysis.”
The City has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Members of the public can contact the Public Emergency Call Centre on 021 480 7700 or 107 from a landline.
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