Five Malawians arrested for operating illegal gin distillery in Cape Town

Five Malawian nationals were arrested on Monday after Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs) discovered an illegal liquor plant in Durbanville.

Safety and Security teams confiscated over 2,000 litres of homemade gin during the raid, following a tip-off from the community to the Public Emergency Call Centre (PECC) about suspicious activity around the property.

"The NSO officers responded and, on their arrival, were granted permission to enter the property. Once inside, they discovered 11 large drums filled with the gin as well as a machine seemingly being used to distil the alcohol," the City said.

"They also discovered that the suspects had been gathering bottles of two popular alcohol brands and were packaging the homemade liquor seemingly to be sold under these brand names.”

Three males and two females, aged between 18 and 39, were arrested on charges including illegal manufacturing of alcohol, contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act, and possession of presumed stolen property.

The homeowner, a Chinese national, was also arrested. All suspects are expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

The confiscated liquor will now be sent for forensic analysis.

“Counterfeit alcohol is extremely dangerous and often contain toxic substances which can lead to severe health issues and even death. I applaud the NSOs for their swift action in this regard," said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

"The scene was handed over to Durbanville SAPS for further investigations.” 

The City has urged residents to report any suspicious activity.

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