Three Malawians, SA man arrested in R1.4 million fake liquor bust in North West
Four suspects were arrested after police allegedly uncovered an illegal liquor-manufacturing operation and seized liquor and raw materials worth an estimated R1.4m on a farm near Stilfontein.
Three Malawians and a South African man have been arrested in North West, South Africa, in connection with a suspected illegal liquor manufacturing operation, according to police reports. A raid by the South African Police Service's Public Order Policing Unit on Thursday night uncovered a suspected illicit liquor plant on a farm in the Rietfontein area of Stilfontein, where an estimated R1.4 million worth of illicit liquor was seized.
The four suspects, aged between 28 and 54, are believed to be undocumented foreign nationals from Malawi and a South African citizen who is alleged to be the business owner. During the search, police found suspected raw materials used in the production of illicit liquor, including flavourants, colourants, pots, and flow bins, as well as several storage tanks suspected to contain ethanol. The contents of these tanks will be tested.
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Stilfontein Magistrates' Court on Monday, October 19, to face charges related to liquor, revenue, and immigration legislation violations. North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams stated that police would continue targeting criminal syndicates involved in illicit liquor trade and welcomed the operation's outcome as part of broader government efforts to combat illicit economic activities and strengthen compliance in key sectors.
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