The Sedibeng District SAPS Deputy Commissioner, Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu led the massive disposal of confiscated liquor at the Sebokeng Wastewater Treatment Plant next to the Golden Highway.

The initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts by the SAPS to curb crime and enforce compliance with liquor regulations. The liquor was seized during various crime-fighting operations that took place in the district.

Speaking to Ster North, Nkhwashu said that there was a concerning number of people involved in the illegal trading of liquor. He added that some of the liquor is illicit, while other liquor is real but often sold by individuals without the correct permits.

Nkhwashu said the disposal should highlight that police do not seize liquor for their own use. The highest amount of liquor disposed of came from Kliprivier.

“We also confiscated liquor from Orange Farm, Sebokeng, Vaal Marina, Sharpeville and Boipatong.”

Nkhwashu warned the community against selling liquor without a license, saying that this would get them behind bars.

“If we find you illegally selling liquor for the third time, we are going to arrest you, and you might forfeit the premises where you are operating illegally. We are committed to fighting against liquor abuse as it has negative consequences for the community.”

The director of compliance and enforcement at the GLB, Mbongeni Shabangu, urged the police to be stricter when dealing with people involved in the illicit trade of alcohol. He said police should not only issue fines to people operating outside the guidelines that govern the liquor trade.

The operation was conducted in collaboration with Sedibeng SAPS Management, the CPF, the MMC for Public Safety, Ndade Mokena, the Department of Community Safety, Midvaal Traffic Department, Gauteng traffic wardens, Coordinators, and the Emfuleni Municipal Bylaw Enforcement.