A joint operation between the Sunnyside police, metro police and Sunnyside city improvement district security uncovered alcohol imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo and sold illegally in Sunnyside. Alcoholic beverages worth about R600 was confiscated from a store along Robert Sobukwe Street on Tuesday.
The beverages, called Alomo Bitters and Baby Oku, contain 42% alcohol, and were found on shelves labelled ‘non-alcoholic’. Another shop owner was issued a R1 500 fine for selling liquor without a license.
Sunnyside police spokesperson, Sergeant Asnath Malatsi, said police would not hesitate to act against those who broke the law.
“Alcohol consumption is a serious problem in the area – it contributes to crime, especially robberies,” she said. She said several cases had been reported of people being mugged after staying out late drinking. Police urged residents to look after themselves by not drinking more than the acceptable limit or remaining at night clubs and taverns until late.
Malatsi urged residents to work with the police in continuously fighting crime in Sunnyside. Crime could be massively reduced if the residents continued to function as the eyes and ears of the police, Malatsi said.
