Cape Town – Police in Gauteng have arrested two foreign nationals after uncovering an illegal alcohol manufacturing operation at a house in Dobsonville, Soweto, during a targeted police operation this week.
Members of the Johannesburg K9 Unit acted on intelligence about suspicious activity at the property and discovered a fully fledged illicit liquor factory operating inside a residential home. Officers seized large quantities of alcohol, specialised machinery and branded labels allegedly used to package the fake liquor for sale.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the operation exposed the scale of the illegal business.
“The team has confiscated the machinery used, illicit alcohol packaged in 100ml containers, including various branded alcohol labels, and money believed to be the proceeds of crime,” Nevhuhulwi said.
#sapsGP Two suspects were arrested in Dobsonville on 17/01 for manufacturing illicit alcohol. The Johannesburg #K9Unit seized equipment, fake labels, illicit alcohol and cash. The suspects will appear in court on 19/01.#FightingCrime #StopIllicitTrade SG… pic.twitter.com/HWSffuHufm
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) January 17, 2026
Police further revealed that the alcohol was being packaged to resemble well-known brands, a practice authorities warn poses serious risks to unsuspecting consumers.
The suspects were arrested on charges of illegally manufacturing alcohol in contravention of the National Liquor Act and are expected to appear in court.
According to The Citizen, Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni warned that illegal alcohol production threatens both public health and the economy. “It not only affects the economy of the country but also the health of our communities because substances used as ingredients may be harmful,” Mthombeni said.
As reported by The South African, police said the arrests form part of a broader crackdown on illicit liquor operations across the province, urging communities to report suspicious activities and to only purchase alcohol from registered outlets.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
