In a search operation for an unlicensed firearm in Durbanville on Tuesday 27 January, an illegal alcohol manufacturing plant was discovered.
According to Const Ndakhe Gwala, provincial police spokesperson, police officials of Kraaifontein Crime Intelligence were on a mission to recover an unlicensed firearm, when they stumbled upon an illegal alcohol manufacturing plant at the house in Antelope Street in Uitzicht, Durbanville.
“They were assisted by police officers of Durbanville police to find a suspect with an unlicensed firearm, who was believed to be at the house in Antelope Street. They descended on the premises at about 22:30, where they found four Congolese nationals,” he said.
“While searching, the police officials uncovered large quantities of alcohol, as well as manufacturing machinery in one of the rooms. The four suspects – two men aged 23 and 24, as well as two Congolese women – were arrested on the spot for the illegal manufacturing of alcohol,” Gwala says.
They will appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court once charged.
Col Gonum Munsamy, station commander of Durbanville police, led the operation with her team consisting of Const Adrian Hannies, Sgt Fabian Heyns and Sgt Dalton Jacobs.
Munsamy urges the community of Durbanville to get to know their neighbours.
“This illicit manufacturing of liquor is hazardous to the health and safety of our residents. Report suspicious activity and vehicles seen transporting boxes of liquor in and out of the houses, or strange smells emanating from neighbouring houses,” she said.
Munsamy extends her gratitude to JP Smith, Mayco member of safety and security of the City of Cape Town, and the City’s law enforcement department for “the valued assistance in the transportation of the liquor.”