The suspects have been manufacturing illicit alcohol from a home in Stutterheim.
Image: SAPS
The suspects behind a major counterfeit alcohol manufacturing and distribution plant in the Eastern Cape appeared in the Stutterheim Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Simphiwe Jaca, 24, Sanelisiwe Gaza, 22, Luxolo Hlamvana, 36, Aphiwe Gigaba, 24, Zwe Ntsawulwayo, 34, Mxolisi Nqwenya, 36, and Smagaliso Mdlovu, 29, were charged with contravention of the Liquor Act.
On Wednesday evening, police received a tip-off regarding a white Nissan panel van travelling from KuGompo City toward Stutterheim.
Members from Visible Policing in Stutterheim manned a vehicle checkpoint (VCP) on the N6 targeting the said vehicle. Around 7pm, members spotted the vehicle fitting the description and pulled it off the road. The vehicle had one occupant and was filled with clean, empty bottles.
The alcohol seized by police.
Image: SAPS
The provincial spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks), Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, said members attached to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) in collaboration with the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and Stutterheim SAPS Crime Prevention, followed up on credible information of liquor at a residential property situated on Riverside Road in Stutterheim.
“Upon execution of the operation, police uncovered a fully functional clandestine liquor laboratory. The premises were found to be utilised for the unlawful manufacturing and bottling of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, including brands resembling commercially distributed products such as Gordon’s Gin and Old Buck Dry Gin,” Mhlakuvana said.
The operation yielded significant confiscations, including hundreds of empty bottles, counterfeit labels, original bottle caps, and various implements used in the production process.
The alcohol was being manufactured and distributed from this home.
Image: SAPS
“Further seizures included approximately 514 bottles of suspected counterfeit Gordon’s Gin, 16 bottles of Old Buck ready for distribution, an estimated 500 litres of prepared mixture, and 200 litres of ethanol believed to be used in the manufacturing process,” Mhlakuvana said.
“A Nissan bakkie, which was suspected to have been used in the transportation and distribution of the illicit products, was also confiscated. An estimated value of the seized items was approximately R350,000,” Mhlakuvana said.
After their brief court appearance, the suspects were remanded in custody until May 4, for a formal bail application.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL