Lydenburg K9 unit raids illegal factory
A raid on an illegal popcorn factory in Badfontein resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the confiscation of various manufacturing equipment.
The Lydenburg SAPS’s K9 unit raided an illegal popcorn factory in Badfontein yesterday, April 9, after they had received a tip-off from some community members. During the operation, four suspects, all of whom are Zimbabwean immigrants, were arrested.
According to Warrant Officer Tinalia Gouws of this unit, the police had received information about the factory being operational in one of three big sheds on a farm in the Badfontein district.
The Lydenburg K9 unit immediately went out to the identified farm.
“We were made alert of the illegal manufacturing of popcorn and managed to arrest four suspects. We are also awaiting a health and safety inspector to come and access the situation. In the meantime, the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality’s [TCLM] by-law enforcers were also called for assistance in the matter,” Gouws told Steelburger/Lydenburg News on scene.
Zimbabwean dollars were scattered among the bags filled with popcorn. Gouws said samples of the powdered sugar and colourants will be sent for tests.
“They sell bags of popcorn to the farm kids and the surrounding community. No one knows what is added to the process in making these illegal snacks,” she said.
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An investigation by K9 officers at the other two adjacent sheds led to the discovery of a coffin, hundreds of shotgun shells, a locked safe and kettle for the manufacturing of moonshine.
Gouws said none of the four suspects had any identification on them at the time of their arrest.
“They will for now be held as illegal immigrants until other charges can be added accordingly.”
TCLM’s by-law officers confirmed they will be confiscating all equipment found during the raid. They also said it would seem that the factory was illegally connected to the Eskom grid for power supply for the popcorn machines.
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This is a developing story and more information will be supplied as the investigation continues.
