honey

A 40-year-old suspect was arrested for illegally manufacturing honey in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town. Photo: SAPS.

Man arrested for illegally manufacturing honey worth R100 000

Anti-Economical Crime Task Team raided the suspect’s premises and caught him in possession of a large number of containers filled with honey along with manufacturing equipment.

honey

A 40-year-old suspect was arrested for illegally manufacturing honey in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town. Photo: SAPS.

It was a bitter Tuesday for a 40-year-old man arrested in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town for manufacturing and supplying illegal goods. Members attached to the Western Cape Anti-Economical Crime Task Team caught him in possession of goods worth R100 0000.

ALLEGED ILLEGAL HONEY MANUFACTURER BUSTED

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the arrest was made in Montclair, Mitchells Plain at approximately 13:30 after members received a tip-off about an individual making illegal goods.

The location was searched and officers discovered a large number of containers filled with honey along with the equipment used to manufacture the goods.  

According to the Mail and Guardian, South African beekeepers have been concerned about cheap – and often fraudulent – honey imports, saying it puts pressure on local manufacturers to overprocess their goods and undercharge to stay afloat.

In 2018, Mike Miles, the chairman of the SA Bee Industry Organisation (SABIO) told the publication that imported honey can cost between R20 to R30 per kilogram – much lower than the price of local honey at the time, which ranged between R55 to R70 per kilogram.

Adulterated honey, which often sees genuine honey mixed with other non-bee products, is also a growing concern.

The suspect appeared before the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on charges of manufacturing and supplying illegal goods.

CRAWFORD DRUG BUST

In an unrelated matter, a 54-year-old woman was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and drug dealing in Crawford.

A multidisciplinary police team searched the suspect’s property and found a revolver with 21 bullets, 173 mandrax tablets and nine sachets of mandrax powder, a single bag with cocaine and an undisclosed amount of cash.

She is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court once charged, said the police spokesperson.

Photo: SAPS.

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