Image via: SAPS
Alcohol ban: Northern Cape man busted with R50k worth of booze
The man was caught selling liquor from his house during the alcohol ban. He was also caught with illicit cigarettes and a large amount of cash.
Image via: SAPS
A man in his mid 30s has been arrested by Northern Cape police for selling liquor from his home during the nationwide alcohol ban. Captain Olebogeng Tawana said police in the province are hard at work to ensure that COVID-19 regulations are adhered to.
“The enforcement of the regulations continues throughout the Northern Cape Province, in five policing districts,” said Tawana.
R50 000 WORTH OF BOOZE FOUND DURING ALCOHOL BAN
On Sunday 24 January 2021, police busted a man with liquor worth an estimated street value of more than R50 000 in Phuthanang, Galeshewe.
“The arrest of the suspect came after police observation, where they spotted the patrons coming out of the suspect’s residence with liquor. Upon search, liquor was found stashed inside the suspect’s house. The suspect was also found in possession of illicit cigarettes, including a large amount of cash,” said Tawana.
“In a separate incident, Police in the Mothibistad, near Kuruman arrested another man who was found transporting liquor. The suspect was arrested in Magojaneng village, subsequent to a tip-off about a taxi busy illegally transporting liquor,” added Tawana.
Several suspects who were not adhering to COVID-19 Adjusted Level 3 Lockdown Regulations were slapped with fines, ranging from not wearing face masks in public to failing to confine themselves to their residence during the curfew.
The suspects are expected to appear before the respective Magistrate’s Court in Mothibistad and Galeshewe.
MAN NABBED FOR DEALING IN LIQUOR IN KZN
Apart from the incidents in the Northern Cape, there are still similar occurrences in KwaZulu-Natal. On 22 January 2021 at 20:30, the police officers from EThekwini District Rapid Response conducted operations in the Wentworth area.
Whilst they were operational, they received information about a suspect who was dealing in liquor — again during the ongoing alcohol ban.
“The team proceeded to Merebank where they confiscated a large quantity of liquor, crates of beers, ciders as well as cash gained from the sale of liquor. The 55-year-old suspect was placed under arrest. He was charged for dealing in liquor,” said Colonel Thembeka Mbele.
The estimated value of the seized liquor was R6 000. The suspect appeared before the Wentworth Magistrate’s Court on 25 January 2021 where he was granted a bail of R2 000. The matter was adjourned to 28 January 2021. KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula commended the team for the arrest of the suspect.
