Seized liquor goes down the drain
AS THE first bottle of expensive cognac popped open and the liquor slowly went down the drain, murmurs of discontent resonated from some members of the South African Police Service.
CASE LOAD: Liquor that was seized by members of the South African police in operation When Duty Calls, which lasted from September 1 to January 31. PHOTO: SIBUSISO MSIBIThe liquor was disposed of at Alrode near the Natalspruit Hospital in Ekurhuleni yesterday, marking the end of the SAPS operation When Duty Calls, which began in September last year.
It was aimed at reducing crime, including the confiscation of liquor from unlicensed traders. More than 200,000 litres of liquor, valued at just over R3-million, was destroyed.
But the Gauteng liquor board yesterday blamed South African Breweries for putting profit first.
Malebo Malebo, director of enforcement and compliance at the liquor board, said the SAB was only interested in making money.
"I think the SAB must be held responsible," Malebo said.
"They sell alcohol to people without a licence in the township and make their money.
"When the police conduct raids the poor traders are left with nothing while they [SAB] have made their profits. We must also take the SAB fridges during the raids so they also feel the pinch."
Responding to suggestions that the liquor could have been resold and the proceeds used for worthy causes, Malebo said that would not happen.
"This liquor was taken from illegal traders and it would be wrong of us to resell something deemed illegal," he said.
"Besides, it has been in the storeroom for a long time, and the longest you can keep it is three months."
There have been allegations that some police officials share the liquor among themselves after confiscating it.
But Gauteng police commissioner General Mzwandile Petros said those whose alcohol has been seized should put in writing how much liquor was taken so that officers found guilty of stealing it could be disciplined.
SAB spokeswoman Robyn Chalmers - in response to the Gauteng liquor board allegations - said yesterday: "The South African Breweries is deeply concerned by any allegations regarding the sale of liquor to unlicensed shebeens. SAB does not sell liquor to unlicensed shebeens. The company has a sophisticated computer system in place that prevents the sale of liquor to an outlet that does not have a valid licence or permit.
"An outlet has to provide its licence or permit to SAB that licence or permit is then validated with the liquor board."
Last year high court Judge Matojane said the liquor licensing system in Gauteng is dysfunctional.
"The liquor outlets, whose desire is to run businesses in a way that is free from harassment by police and other authorities, are also being prejudiced by a state of disarray that isn't of their own creation."
Baba_T
Eish what a waste!!!All those 15, 18, 21 years down the drain.
Ps: "I think the SAB must be held responsible," Malebo said
Then all the fast food franchases should also be held responsible for the obesity we have with everyone.
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Pointman
This liquor was seized from people trying to make a living mostly - not criminals. The police have to enforce the laws yes, but maybe they should be pressing harder on real criminals I think. It is not the job of SAB to police the liquor traders - this Malebo guy must do his job and not put the blame on SAB.Report Abuse
maneater
what i do not understand is that the liquor has already been removed from the illegal traders why then pour it down the drain? could they not get it back to circulation and use that money for other worthwhile caurses, i mean R3m is a lot of money bathong!!Report Abuse
pik_it_up
*crying*why why why why why why why why why why !!!!?????
*crying*
why dont put more attention on rapists and thieves nee man vok how could you do thissssss!!!!
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mbondozi
What the f*ck ? Are there still booers in the SAPS? Aaag maaan I am going to vomit. Pls Tata step aside old man , we want to deal with these sh*t holes once and for all. Uhuru is coming stru God , the first shot will be fired by me myself.Report Abuse
PUPU
SAPS was suppose to sell or auction the brooze money donated to the poor South Africans rather that destroy it and am not saying i encourage illigal activities.Report Abuse
Mbeva
Where were Jackson Mthembu and Judge Nkola Motata to assist in drying out the booze?Report Abuse
MGEEZ
If I was one of the officers disposing the liqour;I am sure I would have been drunk just by looking at the amount of liqour that was in that warehouseReport Abuse