Cops bust R1.4m booze factory in Stilfontein

Staff Writer / Fri, 16 October 2026

Police have allegedly uncovered an illegal booze factory worth R1.4 million on a farm in Stilfontein, North West.

Four suspects, aged between 28 and 54, were arrested during a raid in the Rietfontein area on Thursday night, 15 October.

AdvertisementYour business hereAdvertise with News Junction

Police swooped on the farm at about 10pm after receiving information about suspected illegal liquor manufacturing.

According to police, several suspects tried to flee in different directions as officers approached the premises, but four were nabbed.

Three of the suspects are believed to be undocumented foreign nationals from Malawi, while the fourth is a South African citizen allegedly linked to the business.

A search of the premises led to the discovery of what police suspect is an illegal liquor manufacturing plant.

Officers seized raw materials allegedly used to make liquor, including flavourants, colourants, pots and flow bins.

Several storage tanks were also found, with their contents suspected to contain ethanol. Samples will be tested to establish what is inside the tanks.

The estimated value of the seized illicit liquor is R1.4 million.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 19 October, to face charges relating to alleged contraventions of liquor, revenue and immigration laws.

North West police commissioner Lieutenant-General Arthur Peter Adams welcomed the operation, saying police would continue targeting criminal syndicates involved in the illicit liquor trade.

He warned that these syndicates exploit tax differences and put consumers at risk through the production and distribution of illicit alcohol.

Adams said the operation formed part of broader government efforts to combat illegal economic activities and strengthen compliance.

He also thanked North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, Community Safety and Transport Management MEC Virginia Tsotso Tlhapi, and Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs MEC Oageng Molapisi for visiting the scene and showing their support for the operation.

News Junction