Gauteng police arrested nine foreign nationals and seized products worth around 1 million Rand ($54,608.94) during a raid on an illegal alcohol production facility in Westonaria. The operation, led by Provincial Police Commissioner General Tommy Mthombeni, revealed that the factory had been operating without a permit for more than 10 months.
The arrested included two Taiwanese nationals, six Malawians and one Mozambican. According to Mthombeni, the workers faced exploitation including unfair wages, excessive working hours and unsafe conditions. Their complaints to local authorities led to the discovery of the illegal operation.
“South Africa loses billions of Rand every year due to the illegal trade,” Mthombeni said, highlighting the negative impact of such activities on the country’s economy.
Local residents expressed shock at the revelation. “We were told the premises were being renovated for a new company selling cold drinks. We did not suspect any illegal activity,” one resident told SABC news.
Authorities are considering charges of kidnapping and employing illegal foreign nationals as part of their ongoing investigation.