Statement by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs – Nomusa Dube-Ncube following the arrest of a 50-year old suspect for manufacturing and selling counterfeit alcohol
I wish to commend stakeholders in the liquor industry who have contacted me expressing their firm commitments to adhering to the lockdown regulations.
I appreciate the fact that they understand that the regulations are aimed at containing the spread of the virus.
In particular, it is comforting to know that they have joined hands with government in intensifying efforts aimed ensuring the full recovery of our economy post COVID – 19.
We acknowledge the fact that the liquor industry remains critical in ensuring socio-economic development. Many other sectors of our economy such as tourism, hospitality and entertainment rely heavily on the liquor industry. A thriving liquor industry is therefore in the interest of this province.
During this period and beyond, we undertake to continue to work with stakeholders to strengthen the control and regulation of liquor through the KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Act.
Through the KZN Liquor Board Authority - an entity under the department, will undertake awareness campaigns in order to educate communities about the Act and lockdown regulations.
During this period, we have joined forces with law enforcement agencies and industry role players to clamp down on those flouting the regulations and any law of the country.
Critically, we wish to commend law enforcement officers who arrested a suspect involved in the manufacturing, distribution and selling of counterfeit liquor at Illovu Township, South of Durban.
The suspect (Cas no 125/04/2020) was caught red handed refilling Smirnoff 1818 bottles during a intensive operation that resulted in successful recovery of the following Diageo products: -
- 196 x 750ml Smirnoff 1818 (empty bottles);
- 100 Litres Ethanol;
- 3. 1 x Black Bag full of Smirnoff 1818 Closures;
- 4. 5 x 750ml Smirnoff 1818 - Refilled bottles.
This 50 year old suspect was charged for:-
- Contravening Disaster Management act – 2020;
- Manufacturing and selling counterfeit alcohol;
- Selling counterfeit liquor during lockdown.
South Africa is founded on the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law. Our laws should apply to all, not some. Businesses too must meet their legal obligation. Obtaining a business license and paying your taxes is part of business compliance.
As the department we remain committed to sustaining a collaborative approach to ensure that compliance of the relevant laws outlined below. Failure by anyone to adhere to these will result in the prosecution without fear or favour:-
- Disaster Management Act;
- The Business Act of 1991;
- Consumer Protection Act;
- Labour Relations Act,;
- National Health Act;
- Occupational and Safety Act;
- National Environmental Act; the Bank Act & Income Tax Act, Vat Tax Act etc.
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
Nathi Olifant
Cell: 060 970 5113
