Gauteng police raided an illegal alcohol plant in Westonaria, arresting nine foreign nationals and seizing R1 million worth of products. The facility, operating for over ten months, exploited workers under harsh conditions. Authorities link illicit businesses to economic losses, with charges including kidnapping and hiring undocumented workers under review.

South Africa’s Gauteng police have arrested nine foreign nationals and confiscated products worth approximately R1 million ($54,608.94) during a raid on an illegal alcohol manufacturing plant in Westonaria.

Provincial Police Commissioner General Tommy Mthombeni stated that the facility had been operating unlawfully for over ten months.

The arrested individuals include two Taiwanese, six Malawians, and one Mozambican.

“The employees were subjected to unfair wages, excessive working hours, and unsafe conditions. They reported their exploitation to the nearest police station, which led to the discovery of this illegal plant,” Mthombeni said.

The police commissioner also highlighted the detrimental effects of illicit businesses on the South African economy. “South Africa loses billions of rands annually due to illicit trade,” he noted.

Residents living near the now-secured crime scene expressed shock at the revelation. “We were told the premises were being renovated for a new company that would sell cold drinks. We had no suspicion of any illegal activity,” one resident told state broadcaster SABC News.

Mthombeni added that potential charges under consideration include kidnapping and employing undocumented foreign nationals.