| 2024/07/30 |
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Media Statement GAUTENG – A manager of a fully equipped illegal alcohol factory Stuart Ellen Bill (45), was arrested on Wednesday, 24 July 2024 at a plot, Hekpoort Access near Hartebees in the North West Province. A resolute law enforcement team consisting of the Johannesburg based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime investigators and Metro police dog unit, operationalised intelligence received of suspected illegal activities at the plot. Entrance was gained into the premises and Bill introduced himself as the manager and shareholder of the business. Preliminary investigation revealed that the distillery was in fact illegal. It was found equipped with high end machinery for manufacturing, bottling and packaging. The fake products at an industrial scale, include whiskey, brandy, gin and vodka. These were also being branded on site. Almost R600 000 in cash was seized from the premises. The South African Revenue Services customs officials were summoned to the scene for their role to confirm the Contravention of Customs and excise Act, Bill has also been charged in terms of Contravention of the liquor Act. Other charges that may include money laundering are being considered. Exhibits were seized along with a Range rover vehicle suspected to have been acquired from proceeds of crime. Bill appeared in the Brits Magistrate Court on Monday, 29 July 2024 and the case was postponed to 28 August 2024 for further investigation. Ends
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