Five Malawian nationals nabbed for illegal gin manufacturing in Durbanville
Metro Police officers uncover an illegal gin manufacturing operation in Durbanville, leading to the arrest of five Malawian nationals and the seizure of over 2 000 litres of counterfeit alcohol.
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Five Malawian nationals have been arrested following the discovery of an illegal liquor manufacturing operation at a property in Durbanville, where City of Cape Town safety officials confiscated more than 2 000 litres of homemade gin.
The arrests were made on Monday after Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs) responded to a community tip-off received by the Public Emergency Communication Centre, reporting suspicious activity at the address.
Upon arrival, officers were granted permission to enter the property, where they discovered 11 large drums filled with homemade gin, along with a machine believed to be used to distil the alcohol. Officers also found bottles of two popular alcohol brands, which were allegedly being used to package the illicit liquor for resale under counterfeit labels.
Three men and two women, aged between 18 and 39, were arrested on charges of illegal manufacturing of alcohol, contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act, and possession of presumed stolen property.
The scene was handed over to Durbanville SAPS for further investigation. City officials were later informed 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.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, warned of the serious risks associated with counterfeit alcohol.
“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. The scene was handed over to Durbanville SAPS for further investigations,” Smith said.
City of Cape Town Safety and Security officials have again urged residents to report suspicious activity, noting that community tip-offs remain a critical tool in disrupting illegal operations and protecting public health.
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