Five Malawians arrested after illegal liquor plant uncovered in Durbanville
Five Malawian nationals have been arrested following the discovery of an illegal liquor manufacturing operation in Durbanville, where City of Cape Town safety officials confiscated more than 2 000 litres of homemade gin.
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.
NSO officers responded to the complaint and were granted permission to enter the premises. Upon inspection, officers uncovered 11 large drums filled with homemade gin, along with a machine believed to have been used to distil the alcohol.
Officials also discovered that the suspects had been collecting bottles from two well-known alcohol brands and were allegedly repackaging the homemade liquor to be sold under those brand names.
Three men and two women, aged between 18 and 39, were arrested on charges of illegal manufacturing of alcohol, contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act, and possession of presumed stolen property.
The scene was handed over to Durbanville SAPS for further investigation. Authorities later confirmed that the homeowner, a Chinese national, was also arrested.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. The seized liquor will be sent for forensic analysis to determine its contents.
City of Cape Town Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith warned of the 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. I applaud the NSOs for their swift action in this regard. The scene was handed over to Durbanville SAPS for further investigations,” Smith said.
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.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za