Alcohol seized over the past year in Tshwane undergoes massive destruction
The disposal of the illicit alcohol was a firm stance taken by the police to maintain zero-tolerance towards non-compliance with the Liquor Act in Tshwane.
To adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards non-compliance with the Liquor Act, the SAPS in the Tshwane district disposed of 6.4 million millilitres of confiscated alcohol on Wednesday.
The disposal took place at the Tshwane Metro Water works in Pretoria Central, under the command of district commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine, and overseen by Brigadier Kushie Pietersen, station commander of Brooklyn SAPS.
According to police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, the alcohol was seized over the past year during various law enforcement operations. These include liquor compliance inspections, targeted raids, high-density operations, and the ongoing execution of Operation Shanela at all 36 police stations across the district.
Van Dyk said confiscations occurred primarily due to violations of the Liquor Act, including trading without valid licences or operating unregistered outlets.
“The Tshwane District SAPS continues to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards non-compliance with the Liquor Act,” he said.
He said the abuse and unlawful distribution of alcohol remains a key contributor to several societal challenges, including public disorder, domestic violence, assault, and other contact crimes.
“Alcohol misuse is often linked to socio-economic instability, placing an additional burden on healthcare services, policing resources, and community safety,” said Van Dyk.
He emphasised that by removing illicit liquor from circulation and enforcing regulatory compliance, SAPS aims to mitigate the harmful effects of alcohol abuse and restore order in communities.
He added that this approach supports broader crime prevention efforts and fosters safer, more responsible environments for all residents.
Thine has issued a stern warning to liquor traders and restaurant owners to ensure full compliance with their liquor licences.
“We will not hesitate to act against those who violate the law. Non-compliant establishments will face fines, closure, and the confiscation of all liquor on the premises,” Thine said.
He said that law enforcement efforts will remain ongoing across the Tshwane district to regulate the sale and distribution of alcohol, in line with SAPS’s commitment to building safer communities.
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