In a search operation for an unlicensed firearm in Durbanville yesterday (Tuesday 27 January), an illegal alcohol manufacturing plant was discovered.
According to Const Ndakhe Gwala, provincial police spokesperson, police officers of Kraaifontein Crime Intelligence were on a mission to recover an unlicensed firearm when they stumbled upon an illegal alcohol manufacturing plant at the house in Antelope Street in Uitzicht, Durbanville.
“They were assisted by police officers of Durbanville police to find a suspect with an unlicensed firearm who was believed to be at the house in Antelope Street. They descended on the premises at about 22:30, where they found four Congolese nationals,” he says.
Manufacturing machines
“Whilst searching, the police officers uncovered large quantities of alcohol, as well as manufacturing machinery in one of the rooms.”
The four suspects — two men aged 23 and 24, as well as two Congolese women — were arrested on the spot for the illegal manufacturing of alcohol, Gwala says.
They will appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court once charged.
Col Gonum Munsamy, station commander of Durbanville police, led the operation with her team consisting of Const Adrian Hannies, Sgt Fabian Heyns, and Sgt Dalton Jacobs.
Second bust in weeks
This is the second alcohol manufacturing operation to be shut down in Durbanville in a matter of weeks.
On Monday 5 January, Metro Police discovered more than 2 000 litres of homemade gin being produced at a property in Zebra Street.
Five suspects were arrested in connection with the operation, which involved counterfeiting popular alcohol brands and potentially putting public health at serious risk.
ALSO READ: Illegal gin plant busted in Durbanville, five arrested
Community warning
Munsamy urges the community of Durbanville to get to know their neighbours.
“This illicit manufacturing of liquor is hazardous to the health and safety of our residents. Report suspicious activity and vehicles seen transporting boxes of liquor in and out of houses, or strange smells emanating from neighbouring houses,” she says.
Munsamy extends her gratitude to JP Smit, Mayco member of safety and security of the City of Cape Town, and the City’s law enforcement department for “the valued assistance in the transportation of the liquor”.
You must be logged in to post a comment.