Eight suspects from KwaZulu-Natal were arrested in the Eastern Cape for illegally manufacturing alcohol. 

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said a Crime Intelligence-driven operation with the help of Public Order Policing, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and local police members led to the arrest of eight suspects and confiscation of illegal alcohol manufactured in a local site at Amalinda, outside East London. 

Mawisa said information regarding suspicious activities at an Amalinda residence was received by Crime Intelligence members, who then initiated observation. This intelligence was quickly relayed to Public Order Policing members, along with a search warrant, to facilitate disruptive action.

“On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the team followed an information and on their arrival they found eight suspects aged between 19 and 35, while manufacturing alcohol, and all of them are from KwaZulu-Natal. They were immediately arrested,” Mawisa said. 

“During investigation, police discovered manufacturing machines, large drums, and sealed boxes of alcohol with an estimated street value of more than R1 million.” 

The sealed boxes were of Old Buck Dry Gin. 

Mawisa said charges related to the contravention of the Liquor Act and the Counterfeit Goods Act are expected to be brought against the suspects.

She said the eight suspects are scheduled to appear before the East London Magistrate’s Court soon.

She said SAPS extends gratitude to the community members for sharing valuable information with the police that resulted in this major breakthrough.

“Police send a strong message to the perpetrators that they will not recline to ensure safety and security of the community,” Mawisa said.

Meanwhile, the arrest comes days after the Beer Association of South Africa, together with the Drinks Federation of South Africa and South African Liquor Brand Owners Association, called for: 

• Stronger enforcement, to shut down criminal networks.
• Clear, coordinated messaging, so that consumers, government, and stakeholders understand the risks and scale of the problem.
• Consideration of the existence of illicit alternatives as part of policy decision-making and implementation. It’s about balancing regulation with practicality – ensuring policies reduce harm and protect revenue, instead of fuelling the black market.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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