On Wednesday, 10 August 2022, the Western Cape Anti-Economical Crime Task Team arrested another suspect for illegally manufacturing ‘so-called’ honey in Philippi, Cape Town.
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Syrup containers labelled as honey were found by the Anti-Economical Crime Task Team in Philippi. A similar case was reported earlier this week, whereby another Egyptian man was arrested for similar transgressions, reports The South African.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, the highly-functional team followed up on information, which lured them to a house in Springfield Road, Schaapkraal, Philippi.
Twigg stated that the premises were searched and the crime task team discovered a large number of syrup containers that were labelled “Honey”. Pots, labels, gas canisters and gas burners were also confiscated.
Twigg commented by saying: “a 33-year-old undocumented Egyptian national was arrested.” He added that the suspect is expected to appear before the Athlone Magistrate Court on charges relating to the Manufacturing Act.
The same task team arrested a 40-year-old man, in Mitchells Plain for manufacturing and supplying illegal goods. According to the crime task team, the suspect is also allegedly an Egyptian.
After receiving a tip-off, an address in Montclair, Mitchells Plain was raided. Reportedly, the police received a tip-off about an individual manufacturing illegal goods. The police spokesperson said officers found containers filled with honey along with manufacturing equipment. “The confiscated goods had an estimated value of R100 000,” said Twigg.
As previously reported, South African beekeepers have been concerned about cheap and often fraudulent honey imports, saying it puts pressure on local manufacturers to over-process their goods and undercharge to stay afloat, according to the Mail and Guardian.
Another growing concern is degraded honey, which often sees genuine honey mixed with other non-bee products.
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