POLICE officers in KwaZulu- Natal have intensified operations to clamp down on mushrooming illegal liquor outlets in the province.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele said during the month of August, numerous multidisciplinary operations were held across the province in a bid to curb violent crimes.
She said during these operations police conducted inspections on licensed premises to check if they are complying with conditions imposed on their licences.
Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the contributors of serious crimes and leads to other social ills that occurs in communities said Mbhele.
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“During these operations 112 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed down while their owners were arrested for selling liquor without a licence. A large quantity of alcohol was seized by police as evidence and destruction. Operations targeting the illegal sale of alcohol will be ongoing as many crimes occur in close proximity these unregulated environment,” said Colonel Thembeka Mbhele from the provincial SAPS.
Mbele said a total of 633 suspects were arrested for various crimes such as murder; possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition during the police raids.
What’s more, police also seized large quantities of drugs; dangerous weapons; liquor, firearms and ammunition throughout these operations.
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