Asked if he would continue with the raids despite being ordered by the courts to return confiscated alcohol to its owners, Rautenbach stated that what he described as “minor” legal glitches would not derail his intentions to clean up the illegal dealing in alcohol.
Rautenbach admitted that his office has been ordered by the court to return confiscated crates of alcohol. But he added that he and his team of dedicated officers would continue doing what they do best – raiding illegal liquor outlets in the townships.
“All we need to do next is to refine and fine-tune our technical approach and get back to our job again,” said Rautenbach.
Meanwhile, the president of the GLTA, Linda Madida, has urged 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 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.
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