Operation Shanela addressing illegal liquor trading and gambling in ZF Mgcawu District

In a continuous battle against illegal gambling and trading in liquor, the SAPS in the ZF Mgcawu District in collaboration with the Northern Cape Liquor Board, Gambling Board, Department of Home Affairs Immigration Office and the Community Policing Forum (CPF) visited various outlets in the greater Upington area during Operation Shanela this past week.

The SAPS in the district has noted with great concern the escalating number of tuck-shops that are reported to be illegally trading in alcohol and also operating with gambling machines without any license.

A multi-disciplinary operation was conducted to particularly focus on this concerning issue during which liquor and gambling machines were confiscated from tuck-shops and the owners were arrested for being in contravention of the Liquor Act.

This operation also served as awareness among licensed traders to refrain from distributing liquor to unlicensed traders and also the community members to stop supporting illegal traders but rather report such conduct to the police.

The Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Peet Coetzee said illegal trading in liquor, especially from tuck-shop poses great challenges and it is a danger to minors as they will have easy access to alcohol. He said this conduct must be addressed and those and those who find themselves in contravention with the law must be brought to book.