Police uncover illegal alcohol manufacturing plant while searching for unlicensed firearm in Uitzicht

A police operation aimed at recovering an unlicensed firearm led to the discovery of an illegal alcohol manufacturing plant in Uitzicht on Tuesday night, police say.

Members of Kraaifontein Crime Intelligence, assisted by Durbanville police, were searching for a person of interest believed to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm when they arrived at a property in Antilope Street at about 10.30pm on January 27.

Police spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala, said officers arrived at the premises where they found two Congolese nationals aged 23 and 24.

"While searching, members uncovered large quantities of alcohol as well as manufacturing machinery in one of the rooms. The two males were arrested on the spot for illegal manufacturing of alcohol," she said. 

Once charged, the suspects are expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrates' Court.

Earlier this month, the Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs) uncovered an illegal alcohol production facility in Durbanville. 

JP Smith, the mayoral committee member for safety and security, said at the time that the officers discovered a "primitive bottling setup" at around 1:30pm, following a tip-off from the community, where counterfeit alcohol was being produced and packaged using fake labels.

Six foreign nationals were caught at the scene and claimed to be working for a Chinese national, Mr Smith said at the time.

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