Shebeen queens and kings in Heideveld were left high and dry over the weekend as Manenberg cops raided smokkies and confiscated beers from two illegal outlets.
Acting station commander, Colonel Sanele Zama, says following complaints over shebeen owners selling liquor illegally from their council homes, officers embarked on an operation on Friday
morning where they
emptied large freezers filled with beers.
“The officers were led by the designated liquor officer,
Sergeant Peter Snyers,
following complaints about illegal outlets popping up in Heideveld,” says Zama.
“According to the officials at the City’s rent officer the people are selling beers from their council homes and other tenants have gone to the rent office to
complain.”
Zama says dronk customers are
arriving at the smokkies during the early hours of the morning disturbing
neighbours.
“They come at all times and they are already drunk but coming for more beers. In some cases the customers are drinking inside the council homes.”
During the search officers arrested a 23-year-old man in Olivia Court who was found with 80 Castle Lager beers neatly packed in a freezer.
RAID: Cops clamp down on shebeens.
At a second council home in Longkloof Circle officers arrested a 23-year-old woman who was found in possession of a freezer filled with 29 Castle Lager beers and 18 Black Label beers.
“Both premises were unlicensed and the two suspects paid an admission of guilt fine of R500 and were released as this was the first time they were caught,” says Zama.
“We have also reported the findings to the rent office, so a record can be kept of City of Cape Town tenants who are breaking the law.
“Ahead of the festive season, we will be clamping down on all illegal outlets,” he warned.
If you know of an illegal outlet in Heideveld or Manenberg call Snyers on 082 522 0714.