LIMPOPO – The South African National Civic Organization (Sanco) has called on traditional leaders to curb the practice of villagers making ‘vaccine’, a type of homemade beer brewed with hazardous chemicals the brewers largely have little knowledge of.

The blend of what is said to be illicit beer, seemingly has an effect on people’s health too judging by many villagers.

A local group of men was found to be consuming the beer on July 16, at one of the local houses.

The chairperson of Sanco in Tshiozwi, Shaft Matumba says they have received complaints about the sale of ‘vaccine’ in some areas under the traditional leadership, and called upon the police to thoroughly investigate and deal harshly with those responsible for brewing and selling the drink.

“We call upon our traditional leaders to monitor what is happening in their areas,” he added.

He condemned the consumption of the beer.

“Residents complained to me about their men and sons who are drinking this. According to our sources it leads to a decrease in appetite and physical strength. Often, men have to be taken home in wheelbarrows after they’ve consumed the beer.”

Community members also spoke out about the home-made beer, saying one drink is all it takes to be inebriated. “People who drink ‘vaccine’ laugh alone and mess up when they relieve themselves without undressing themselves first,” said one resident.

One man who started drinking the brew years ago, however, says the concern over the consumption thereof is unnecessary.

“Our faces are full of smiles, which only shows that we love ‘vaccine’. People are lying in the name of this beer.”

Meanwhile, police spokesperson, Serg Tshifhiwa Radzilani, said they had no knowledge of the brew, and therefore can’t respond on the matter.