Four people, including three Malawian nationals and a South African, have been arrested in Stilfontein, North West, following a police raid on a farm where a suspected illegal liquor manufacturing plant was discovered.
The value of the illicit liquor is estimated at R1.4 million.
Police said they acted on a tip-off when they raided a farm in the Rietfontein area of Stilfontein.
“As police approached the premises at approximately 22:00, several suspects fled in different directions. However, police managed to apprehend four suspects aged between 28 and 54.
“Three of the suspects are believed to be undocumented foreign nationals from Malawi, while the fourth is a South African citizen who is allegedly the owner of the business,” said police spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburg.
According to Myburg, police confiscated raw materials allegedly used in the production of liquor, including flavourants, colourants, pots and flow bins.
Police also found several storage tanks on the premises.
“The contents of these tanks will be subjected to testing, as they are suspected to contain ethanol.
“The suspects are expected to appear before the Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 19 October 2026, to face charges relating to alleged contraventions of liquor, revenue and immigration legislation,” added Myburg.
