Amalinda: A Crime Intelligence driven operation with the assistance of members attached to Public Order Policing, DPCI, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), and local police led to the arrest of eight suspects and confiscation of illegal alcohol manufactured in a local site at Amalinda.
According to South African Police Service, the Crime Intelligence members received information about suspicious activities in a house at Amalinda outside East London and conducted an observation. The information was swiftly communicated to members of Public Order Policing who obtained a search warrant for disruptive action. On Saturday, 13 September 2025, the team acted on this information and upon arrival, they found eight suspects, aged between 19 and 35, involved in manufacturing alcohol. All suspects hail from KwaZulu-Natal and were immediately arrested.
During the investigation, police discovered manufacturing machines, large drums, and sealed boxes of alcohol with an estimated street value of more than R1 million. The suspects are expected to face charges related to the contravention of the Liquor Act and the Counterfeit Goods Act.
The eight suspects will appear before the East London Magistrate's Court soon. SAPS is extending gratitude to community members for sharing valuable information with the police that resulted in this major breakthrough. Police send a strong message to the perpetrators that they will not relent in ensuring the safety and security of the community.