Gauteng police have shut down an illegal micro-distillery and arrested eleven suspects following an intelligence-driven operation, at Mandela Section, Katlehong, on September 6.

The law enforcement team, consisting of members from Crime Intelligence, Provincial Investigation Unit, Ekurhuleni Trio Task Team, SAPS Katlehong, DPCI, Immigration Officers and Brand Protectors, operationalised information about a group of people manufacturing illicit alcohol in Katlehong.

According to the Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Dimakatso Sello, during the operation, illicit liquor with an estimated street value of R5m was discovered and eleven suspects, of which ten are suspected to be foreign nationals, were arrested.

The suspects will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs.

“The suspects will be charged with operating an illegal micro-distillery, contravening the Liquor Act and unlawful possession of ethanol,” said Sello.

“The concerted efforts of the teams involved are commendable and appreciable.”

The public is urged to continue working together with police in the fight against crime by reporting any criminal activities on the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or leaving anonymous tip-offs on the My SAPS App.

It can be downloaded on any smartphone. All information received will be treated as strictly confidential.