Information leaks are undermining law-enforcement operations and allowing illegal alcohol manufacturing sites to be relocated before raids — a challenge the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA) says continues to hamper its crackdown on counterfeit alcohol production in the province. KZNERA said the problem is compounded by fear among community members, making many reluctant to report illicit liquor operations. The authority was speaking following recent raids on two liquor outlets in Chatsworth, Durban, where counterfeit alcohol valued at around R80 000 was seized.
KZNERA interim chief executive officer Portia Baloyi said compliance notices were issued to both outlets under section 93(1)(i) of the Act for engaging in activities prohibited by law. She condemned the production, distribution, and sale of counterfeit and illicit alcohol, warning that it poses a serious threat to public health and safety, undermines legitimate businesses, and deprives the state of tax revenue. Baloyi said most KZNERA enforcement operations are either intelligence-driven or carried out in response to community complaints, stakeholder engagements, or requests from the police.
“We have planned calendar operations across all 11 districts throughout the year. These are intelligence-led and target areas identified through stakeholder engagements or high crime rates,” she said. She added that the Chatsworth raids were informed by investigative input from relevant law-enforcement agencies.
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Baloyi said details of planned operations cannot be disclosed in advance, as past leaks have allowed suspects to be tipped off. “To ensure a successful operation, information cannot be publicised. In the past, leaks warned culprits and undermined enforcement efforts,” she said. She said KZNERA works closely with the South African Police Service, the Department of Agriculture, and municipalities to identify areas requiring further investigation.
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