Endeavours to safeguard communities and the enforcement of Level 3 lockdown regulations led to a clampdown on liquor outlets during crime prevention operations in the Southern Cape over the weekend after information on the sale of liquor was operationalised.
On Friday, 22 January 2021 members attached to the Eden Cluster Crime Combatting Team conducted an operation in the central business district of Knysna. The police received a tip off about a Toyota Hilux bakkie, with a business sticker on the door that transports liquor after orders had been placed for delivery on social media. This vehicle was later spotted at Hedge where it was stopped by police. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a few bottles of liquor and the driver was arrested for contravention of Disaster Management Act regulations.
This operation proceeded to his residence as well as a storage facility in the Industrial area where more liquor was found. Liquor with an estimated value of R17000-00 was confiscated during the course of the operation. The 48-year-old suspect is facing charges of transportation of liquor and selling of liquor without a licence.
Meanwhile, on Saturday evening members of the George and Conville police conducted a sting operation at Knysna Road, Lavalia, George after information on the sale of liquor was operationalised. The police confiscated 10 bottles of liquor, Whiskey and Vodka, and arrested two suspects on charges of selling of liquor without a licence. These suspects, aged 22 and 24, are also facing charges relating to the DMA regulations for the transportation of liquor.
These suspects will appear in court when charged on the mentioned charges.
The sale and transportation of liquor during the current lockdown restrictions are prohibited. Similar operations to enforce these restrictions will be sustained. Perpetrators that continue to disobey DMA regulations and sell liquor under the current conditions will be brought to book.
