After the Kagiso Police had pulled over two trucks at a roadblock yesterday, it was found that they were transporting alcoholic beverages.
The trucks and their cargo were confiscated and the drivers arrested. It was said to be South African Breweries (SAB) ABInBev trucks.
Read the initial article here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/420065/two-trucks-transporting-alcohol-seized-at-chamdor-roadblock/
The News approached the company for comment and they responded with a statement.
“The SAB can confirm that it is aware of the arrests of seven of its employees, two third-party drivers, as well as the impounding of various loads on the morning of 8 April,” their statement read.
They explained that since the incident they have engaged with both the Department of Trade and Industry and the police, to clarify their wind-down measures, and share all necessary approvals and permits.
“The movement of the alcohol at our seven breweries is specifically provided for in the lockdown regulations, and in particular Regulation 11 B 4A of Chapter 2. This pre-approved plan is aimed at ensuring the safety of our employees, the communities around our operations, the environment and our inventory.”
The alcohol in transit at the time of the arrest and seizure was packaged inventory, which had to be moved to an SAB-owned offsite storage facility because the company’s warehouse storage capacity at the breweries had reached its limit.
“The alcohol seized was not for sale or distribution, and was always in SAB’s possession. Further to this, permission to transport a portion of our packed inventory had been obtained, and SAB continues to operate within the confines of the law,” said the statement.
SAB said they wished to assure the government and public that they are not in contravention of the law, and that they take the President’s call to lock down the country, and safeguard the people’s health and wellness, seriously.
“We are committed to complying with the Disaster Management Act and the lockdown regulations. As an organisation we are here to play our part, not only in fighting the pandemic, but in protecting the well-being of our communities, our employees and our contributions toward the economy.”
They also confirmed that all employees who have been confronted by the police are being assisted with legal representation, as well as their internal SAB legal council.
