Operation Tight Grip nets three suspects for non-compliance of Disaster Management Act Regulations

In response to increasing violations of the Disaster Management Act regulations, the South African Police Service continues to intensify its operations at non-compliant taverns and liquor outlets in the rural and urban areas.

On Saturday, 23 January 2021, police arrested three male suspects aged between 27 and 45 at Extension 7 in Msobomvu Township, Butterworth for non-compliance with the Disaster Management Act Regulations. The arrests were effected by an intelligence-led integration of forces that included detectives and visible policing.

According to information, Operation ‘Tight Grip’ was conducted in response to several complaints and information received from the community about a local Tavern that disregarded the lockdown regulations against the selling of liquor. After a two-week-long observation and investigation on the activities of the tavern, the owner, along with two of his workers were arrested by the police for selling liquor and using so-called black market prices.

During the operation alcohol, a firearm and rounds of ammunition, three bank speed points, and two CCTV monitors were confiscated for further investigation.

The arrested suspects are currently in police detention and are expected to appear in Butterworth Magistrate’s Court today, Monday, 25 January 2021 on charges relating to Contravention of the Disaster Management Act Regulations.