The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Stutterheim has arrested six men for the alleged manufacturing and distribution of various brands of counterfeit alcoholic beverages. Counterfeit liquor with an estimated value exceeding R500,000 has been confiscated.
On Wednesday, 22 April 2026, at approximately 18:00, police received information regarding a white Nissan Panel Van bearing Gauteng registration plates, reportedly in transit from KuGompo City to Stutterheim. Members of Visible Policing in Stutterheim established a vehicle checkpoint on the N6 to intercept the described vehicle. At around 19:00, the vehicle was spotted, pulled off the road, and found to have one occupant. The vehicle was filled with clean empty bottles.
A preliminary investigation led members to a house in Entilini, Lower Khologha, in Stutterheim. Five occupants were found at the premises producing and packaging various brands of counterfeit alcoholic spirits. Police seized several boxes of illicit alcohol and R6,570 in cash. It is believed the site had been operating as a manufacturing factory since 2025.
The six suspects, aged between 22 and 36, are due to appear in court soon on charges of contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act 31 of 1997. They will also face charges for contravening the Liquor Act.