Vaal Triangle police disposed of 17,247L of alcohol after it was seized from illegal operators in the Sedibeng district.

The alcohol disposed of was confiscated in cases that have appeared in court and have been finalised. The liquor was disposed of at the Leeukuil Water Treatment Plant in Sharpeville on Friday (26/7).

“Liquor is being abused and therefore we need to regulate its use in our society. The liquor that was disposed of relates to cases that have gone to court and have been finalised,” said Sedibeng deputy district commissioner Mbangwa Nkhwashu.

Sedibeng deputy district commissioner. Mbangwa Nkhwashu. Picture supplied

“The country’s future is being destroyed by among other things, the abuse of liquor, mainly because it is legal to drink and to use liquor in our country.

“Liquor often leads to gender-based violence and femicide. The liquor we have confiscated generates crime and we felt it necessary to destroy it before the liquor destroys our future and the future of our children,” he said.

Improper disposal can lead to environmental damage, underage drinking if found by minors, or even legal issues depending on local laws and regulations, according to How to Dispose of Old Liquor: A Comprehensive Guide.

Improper disposal can lead to environmental damage and underage drinking if found by minors. Picture supplied

Some 500 million litres of illegal alcohol is consumed in South Africa every year, costing the country R6 billion in taxes. Furthermore, because the manufacturing of illegal alcohol is unregulated, it may contain fatal levels of alcohol or other toxic ingredients, says the liquor license lawyer.

The dangers associated with the illegal sale of alcohol include the sale of liquor to underage children, attracting illicit drug traders, and contributing to domestic abuse and liquor abuse within the surrounding community.

Retailers and wholesalers may not sell liquor without being duly registered. Picture supplied

The Free State Gambling and Liquor Act 6 of 2010 states:

• Retailers and wholesalers may not sell liquor without being duly registered to do so in terms of this Act.

• If retailers make any false statement in any application or return under the Act, they commit an offence.

• In general, it is a criminal offence to contravene any condition of a licence or registration.

• It is an offence to sell or supply liquor to a drunk person, or if you are the registrant, or person in charge, to allow a drunk person to remain on the registered premises.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh/cg