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.

The 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."