Asked if he would continue with the raids, despite being ordered by the courts to return confiscated alcohol to its owners, Lt Col Rautenbach stated that what he described as “minor” legal glitches would not derail his intentions to clean up the illegal dealing in alcohol. He also pointed out that the reason for him returning the confiscated alcohol had nothing to do with an existing order issued by the Gauteng High Court with regards to Liquor Permits and Licences.
He admitted though that his office has been ordered by the court to return several hundred confiscated crates of alcohol, but indicated that his team of dedicated officers would continue with what they have been doing best so far; raiding illegally operated liquor outlets in the townships.
Asked to comment on allegations of racism against township liquor traders, he refuted this and said that he and his team conduct similar raids liquor raids everywhere where the laws, rules and regulations of the liquor trade are are broken.
“All we need to do next is to refine and fine-tune our technical approach and get back to our job again,” said Lt Col Rautenbach.
Meanwhile, the president of the GLTA, Linda Madida, has urged his members to ensure that their trading documents are in order.
“We would like to urge our members to make sure that all their legal trading and compliance documents, such as operating licences, are in order, to avoid being arrested for trading in alcohol illegally.
“Any trader who wants to continue trading should visit our offices and have his or her papers in order,” explained Madida. He said his office will be on hand to assist members who need help with their trading documents.
