A 35-year-old foreign national has been arrested after police uncovered liquor being sold illegally from a tuckshop in Nababeep, Northern Cape, during an Operation Shanela II compliance raid.
Police spokesperson Captain Ivan Magerman said officers inspected the tuckshop at about 1am on Tuesday as part of ongoing operations targeting illegal activities in the area.
During the inspection, the officers discovered several crates of alcohol hidden in a back room on the premises.
“Further investigation established that alcohol was being sold from the premises without a valid liquor licence,” Magerman said.
Police confiscated liquor with an estimated street value of R5,000.
Inspection takes a turn
The compliance inspection took another turn when police investigated the tuckshop owner’s immigration status.
According to police, the 35-year-old man was allegedly living and conducting business in South Africa without the required documentation.
He was subsequently arrested and is expected to face charges under the Immigration Act 13 of 2024, as well as a charge related to the illegal sale of liquor.
Police warn against illegal liquor trade
The Namakwa District Management said compliance inspections and disruptive operations would continue under Operation Shanela II as police move to clamp down on activities they say negatively affect communities.
“SAPS is issuing a stern warning to all persons involved in the illegal sale and distribution of liquor that such activities will not be tolerated,” Magerman said.
“Police will continue conducting intelligence-driven operations and compliance inspections throughout the district, and those found operating outside the law will be dealt with accordingly.”
IOL News
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
