By: Lerato Mutlanyane
Ever since the huge fake alcohol crime bust carried out by the Free State South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Economic Development, Small Business, tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) in East End Business Park in Bloemfontein in March 2023, many thought this progressive development would reduce or slow down the illegal alcohol trade market.
Two years down the line, this market continues to thrive relentlessly, leaving communities still widely exposed to the extreme dangers of consuming poisonous and possibly deadly alcoholic beverages.
The Bloemfontein bust saw large volumes of fake alcohol - estimated to be worth around R1 million - being confiscated, with a Chinese national being apprehended and charged with contravening the Consumer Protection Act, Counterfeit Goods Act, as well as non-compliance with the Business Act.
Despite making major headlines all over and with erstwhile DESTEA MEC, Thabo Meeko, warning perpetrators that their continued production and sale of illegal alcohol would lead to dire consequences, the trade persists regardless.
The consumption of counterfeit alcoholic beverages has a significant impact on society. New research by the Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA) on the illicit alcohol market shows that the industry has grown by 55% since 2017, with the fake alcohol market said to be valued at R25.1 billion in 2024. These figures continue to rise, according to DF-SA.
A national consumer survey, involving a total of 707 respondents nationwide, was also conducted, highlighting the rapidly growing public concern in this regard. According to the survey, 80% of respondents are worried about the health risks of drinking unregulated fake alcohol; 49% of them claim to personally know someone who has been harmed by it, while 29% reported that they knew someone who has died from consuming fake beverages.
This has prompted law enforcement authorities to upscale their effort in trying to clamp down on this trade.
“We have observed a steady increase in public awareness and reporting of counterfeit and illicit goods, including alcohol. Through intensified operations such as Operation SHANELA II, we’ve seen improved community cooperation and more targeted interventions, leading to successful confiscations,” said Free State SAPS Captain Lorraine Earle.
“SAPS has a dedicated National Counterfeit Goods Unit, which leads efforts to combat the illicit trade in counterfeit and contraband items. At the Provincial level, police officers collaborate regularly with stakeholders during daily operations to tackle these crimes,” she added.
According to Earle, the SAPS noted that these operations are a joint effort with other regulatory boards, such as the Liquor Board.
“We maintain a strong working relationship with the Free State Liquor Authority. Joint operations are conducted regularly to inspect licensed premises and identify non-compliant outlets, particularly those dealing in unregulated or counterfeit alcohol. A dedicated priority committee also monitors such activities. These collaborative efforts are vital in disrupting illegal supply networks.
“We continue to encourage consumers to purchase alcohol only from licensed vendors and remain alert to unlabeled or unusually cheap products. The fight against illicit trade remains a shared responsibility, and public support is essential to its success,” she concluded.
