Counterfeit Alcohol Bust in Stutterheim
What Happened?
On a Wednesday night, police got a tip about a white Nissan panel van heading from KuGompo City to Stutterheim. Officers set up a checkpoint on the N6 highway, stopped the van, and found it loaded with clean, empty bottles.
The Raid
Following the Lead
Hawks detectives, together with the Local Criminal Record Center and Stutterheim SAPS Crime Prevention, acted on credible information about illegal alcohol production at a house on Riverside Road.
Discovery of a Hidden Lab
Inside the property, officers uncovered a fully operational clandestine liquor laboratory. The site was being used to make and bottle fake versions of well‑known drinks such as Gordon’s Gin and Old Buck Dry Gin.
What Was Seized?
- About 514 bottles of suspected counterfeit Gordon’s Gin
- 16 bottles of Old Buck ready for distribution
- Roughly 500 liters of prepared gin mix
- Around 200 liters of ethanol believed to be used in production
- Hundreds of empty bottles, counterfeit labels, original caps, and other equipment
- A Nissan bakkie suspected of transporting the illegal goods
The total value of the seized items was estimated at R350,000.
Court Appearance
The seven suspects—Simphiwe Jaca (24), Sanelisiwe Gaza (22), Luxolo Hlamvana (36), Aphiwe Gigaba (24), Zwe Ntsawulwayo (34), Mxolisi Nqwenya (36), and Smagaliso Mdlovu (29)—appeared in the Stutterheim District Court on Friday. They were charged with violating the Liquor Act.
What’s Next?
After a brief hearing, the suspects were remanded in custody until May 4, when they will have a chance to apply for bail.
Conclusion
This operation shows how police teamwork and public tips can shut down illegal alcohol factories. The bust not only removed potentially dangerous counterfeit drinks from the market but also sent a clear message that producing and selling fake liquor will not be tolerated.
