Members of Operation Shanela II from the South African Police Service (SAPS) struck a major blow on Tuesday at a farm in Faure, Stellenbosch, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The central operation uncovered a fully operational facility where alcohol was being manufactured and distributed illegally.
Following credible information, the police descended on the property, leading to the arrest of five Malawian nationals aged between 26 and 45.
During the raid, officers seized substantial quantities of illicit alcohol and an array of manufacturing equipment, highlighting the scale and seriousness of the operation.
According to police spokesperson Captain Frederick C van Wyk, the equipment found included plastic containers filled with unexplained chemicals and hundreds of both empty and pre-filled liquor bottles, as well as industrial-grade bottling and capping machinery.
In a follow-up investigation, police visited a storage facility in Woodstock, Cape Town, where they arrested a 53-year-old Chinese national. At this second location, a significant amount of pre-packaged illegal alcohol was confiscated, believed to be poised for distribution across the region.
The arrested Malawians will face charges related to the violation of the Liquor Act in the Stellenbosch Magistrates Court, while the Chinese suspect is also set to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates Court on similar charges.
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Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile, praised the swift actions of the Operation Shanela II members.
He stated that this operation aligns with the provincial policing strategy aimed at shutting down illegal liquor manufacturing and distribution outlets, often referred to as shebeens.
‘These operations will be sustained in an effort to eradicate alcohol abuse, which remains a significant contributor to serious and violent crimes, particularly during weekends,’ Patekile remarked.
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Picture: SAPS
