LARGE QUANTITY OF ALCOHOL CONFISCATED FROM AN ALLEGED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO ALLEGEDLY SOLD LIQUOR INSIDE A SPAZA SHOP
Nelspruit: 02 October 2023 – A Somali National in his early 20’s was arrested during Operation Shanela for allegedly selling liquor inside a Spaza Shop in Standerton. Approximately 332,69 litres of alcohol valued at about R20 000 was confiscated on Saturday 30 September 2023.
During the operation, police noticed suspicious movements and gatherings at this premises which also operated as a tuckshop (Spaza Shop). When police investigated, it was discovered that illegal liqour trading activities were being conducted inside this premises.
The said foreign national from Somalia is alleged to be behind this whole shenanigans hence he was arrested on further verification, the astute members also discovered that he does not even have valid documentation to be in South Africa hence a charge for contravention of the Immigration Act was laid against him in addition to the one of selling liquor without a licence. The investigators are working in conjunction with the Department of Home Affairs pertaining to his status in the country.
During the same operation, three other people were issued with fines for contravention of the Road Traffic Act.
The man who was arrested for illegal liquor trade will appear at the Standerton Magistrate’s Court today, Monday 02 October 2023 facing the outlined charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela said more liquor outlets will be closely monitored following the spade of fatal shooting incidents that were experienced, emanating from liquor outlets in the province.
