Truck driver nabbed with 5000 litres of illegal booze in juice bottles

A suspect has been caught transporting some amount of liquor during the nationwide alcohol ban.

The suspect was caught by a joint operation held between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and traffic authorities.

The 40-year-old truck driver in Kinklebos, Port Elizabeth was arrested on Thursday 29 July.

It is alleged that at about 11:00, SAPS Kinklebos members and the traffic officials were at the Kinklebos traffic weigh bridge when they stopped the suspects truck and a silver Caravelle.

Upon searching both vehicles, more than 5000 litres of alcohol in 417 cases (12 × 1 litre bottles) were found. In the images provided by SAPS, it appears as though the alcohol was stored in juice bottles.

“The 40-year-old truck driver admitted ownership of the alcohol and was arrested and charged under the regulations of the Disaster Management Act, for the illegal transporting of liquor during the lockdown and prohibited period,” said Captain Andre Beetge.

The estimated value of the alcohol is R62,550. The suspect is expected to appear before the Alexandria Magistrate’s Court on Friday 30 July.

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Thembisile Patekile commended those involved in the arrest and added that “our community as well as businesses must respect and adhere to the limitations and prohibitions as set out in the Disaster Management Act. The South African Police Service will continue to enforce the law and arrest those who blatantly disregard the law.”