Whistleblower exposes illegal alcohol factory in Faure

A WHISTLEBLOWER has given insight into how he alerted authorities about an illegal alcohol factory operating on a farm in Faure where five Malawian nationals were arrested including a second location in Woodstock where a Chinese national was busted.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

POLICE seized illicit alcohol after raids on illegal factories in Faure and Woodstock. | SAPS

(SAPS)

The whistleblower who cannot be identified for safety reasons said he became suspicious when he inquired about the price of a bottle of wine and raised the alarm.

“I was at the premises and I wanted to take a picture of what they were doing and they said it was not allowed, he explained.

“So I asked them what is the price for a bottle of VAT 69 and they said it’s R130.

“I couldn't believe it, as the normal price is R290.

“They were also selling a box of 12 bottles of wine for R1560 and that is not the normal price.

“[ve asked around on the farm if they are aware of this illegal alcohol plant and they told me yes but they are afraid to talk about it”