Authorities in Cape Town are confronting a surge in the illegal manufacturing and distribution of alcohol, with multiple operations uncovered in recent months.
Recent Police Actions
On January 27, 2026, Kraaifontein Crime Intelligence discovered an illegal alcohol manufacturing plant on Antelope Street in Uitzicht while searching for a suspect and an unlicensed firearm. Two Congolese nationals, aged 23 and 24, were arrested at the scene. Police seized large quantities of alcohol and manufacturing machinery.
On December 3, 2025, Lingelethu West SAPS confiscated four boxes of Classic Buck Gin during a roadblock on Spine Road, Khayelitsha. The occupants of a silver Hyundai I20 could not account for the liquor. A subsequent investigation led to the discovery of another illegal manufacturing plant in Lansdowne, resulting in charges for two suspects aged 26, and 39.
Further, on October 2, 2025, Operation Shanela II uncovered a fully operational illegal facility on a farm in Faure, Stellenbosch. Five Malawian suspects, between the ages of 26 and 45, were arrested, and a substantial amount of illicit alcohol and equipment were seized. A 53-year-old Chinese national was also arrested after police investigated a storage facility in Woodstock, where they found pre-packaged illegal alcohol.
The Scope of the Problem
According to Dr. Simon Howell, Senior Researcher at the Centre of Criminology at the University of Cape Town, the market for illicit alcohol is “quite extensive and quite large.” He explained that it provides a cheaper alternative to licensed establishments and represents a business opportunity for those involved in its production.
Dr. Howell also noted that South Africa faces significant issues with alcohol consumption, contributing to violence, death, and destruction. The illicit trade, being unregulated, poses a serious health risk as the alcohol produced is not tested or checked for safety.
The equipment used in these illegal operations includes plastic containers filled with chemicals, numerous empty and full liquor bottles, and industrial-grade bottling machinery. Authorities have observed that counterfeiters typically target mid-range alcohol brands like Smirnoff, Russian Bear, and Johnny Walker Blue Label, as replicating high-end brands is more difficult and less profitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of alcohol are most often counterfeited?
According to Dr. Howell, counterfeiting typically focuses on mid-range alcohol brands such as Smirnoff, Russian Bear, and Johnny Walker Blue Label.
What are some visual cues to identify fake alcohol?
Dr. Howell suggests looking at the quality of the bottles and labels – whether they are made of paper or sticky paper, if the label comes off easily, and if the bottle caps are properly sealed and consistent.
Is all illicit alcohol counterfeit?
No, Dr. Howell explained that some illicit alcohol, like the pineapple beer made during Covid-19, is not necessarily counterfeit but simply produced in an unregulated manner.
Given the ongoing police activity and the expanding networks involved, what steps might be taken to address this issue in the future remains to be seen.
