Johannesburg law enforcement authorities have been lauded for upholding the alcohol ban laws and confiscating heaps of liquor worth R1 million at an outlet in Jeppestown.
Alcohol ban: Authorities zone in on illegal merchants
In a statement released by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), spokesperson Xolani Fihla revealed that five suspects have been arrested for contravening the Disaster Management Act by selling and purchasing alcohol.
One of the suspects is facing an additional bribery charge, which could land him a jail term.
According to Fihla, JMPD undercover officers spotted two suspicious-looking vehicles, a Toyota Tazz and a bakkie, near Commissioner and End Street in inner-city Joburg.
With the assistance of SAPS’ Flying Squad team, the vehicles were searched and sure enough, “officers found alcohol loaded in both vehicles.”
“The occupants were questioned and they led officers to a liquor outlet at Fox Street between Hans and Gus Streets in Jeppestown where they had bought the alcohol,” Fihla added.
Businessowner tried to bribe officers
When the team arrived at the outlet, an unknown number of vehicles, suspected to be queued up for alcohol, suddenly scurried away at the sight of the police.
The business owner was quickly cornered and questioned. Trying to pull a fast one on authorities, the owner called his son to the scene.
“When the son arrived he offered members of SAPS Tactical Reaction an R40 000 bribe,” Fihla revealed.
Suffice it to say, they were both arrested immediately.
“Five suspects were arrested and detained at Jeppe SAPS. Four suspects were arrested for the contravention of the Disaster Management Act by selling, dispensing and transporting liquor. One suspect was arrested for bribery,” the statement read.
Cases of beer and piling boxes of spirits were hauled out of the business establishment and it’s believed the street value of the alcohol seized is worth at least R1 million.
All five suspects are expected to appear in a Joburg court soon.