Shutdown of an illegal micro-distillery in eKasi

Today, Tuesday, September 6th, an illegal micro-distillery producing counterfeit alcohol spirits was shut down in one of Gauteng’s townships.

“The efforts of the police in Gauteng continue to bear fruit as they have shut down an illegal micro-distillery and detained eleven people,” said police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Sello.

Crime Intelligence, Provincial Investigation Unit, Ekurhuleni Trio Task Team, SAPS Katlehong, DPCI, Immigration Officers, and Brand Protectors acted on intelligence concerning a gang of persons making illicit alcohol in Katlehong.

At the illegal micro-distillery, counterfeit spirits are packaged. Image: SAPS/Facebook

According to reports, these guys were apprehended in Mandela Zone 4 in Katlehong.

During the raid, illicit booze believed to be worth R5 million was discovered.

Sello

She stated that eleven individuals were apprehended, ten of whom are believed to be foreign nationals.

The Department of Homeland Security will process the suspects. She explained that the suspects would be charged with operating an illegal microdistillery, violating the Liquor Act, and criminal possession of ethanol.

This afternoon, SA Police crime information led to the closure of an illegal brewery in Mandela zone 4 in Katlehong, Gauteng, that manufactured counterfeit alcoholic spirits or gins. 12 people were arrested after illicit liquor with an estimated street value of R5,000,000 was discovered. pic.twitter.com/IYpewyiSPa

6 September 2022 — Blessings Ramoba (@BlessingsRamboa)

Sello added that the collaborative efforts of the concerned teams are impressive and praiseworthy.

“The public is encouraged to continue cooperating with police in the battle against crime by calling the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or leaving anonymous tips on the My SAPS app, which can be downloaded on any smartphone. She concluded that any information received would be kept totally confidential.