Coronavirus: Police caught selling black market alcohol after total ban on sale in South Africa
Two officers also caught escorting trucks loaded with booze
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police have been caught selling black market alcohol in South Africa after a total ban on the sale of booze and cigarettes.
The country’s police minister said a ban on all sales of alcohol as part of a coronavirus lockdown had helped lower crime.
But with alcohol shops shut, the country has seen a growing black market for liquor and a wave of attacks on shuttered shops.
In a statement, the police ministry said there have been at least 16 reported instances of burglary and the looting of shops selling alcohol in the Western Cape.
It also revealed police minister Bheki Cele had “noted with concern the alleged involvement of police members in some of the liquor-related crimes”.
Two warrant officers were arrested after they were caught buying alcohol, allegedly for resale, alongside a shop manager and cashier on Thursday, the ministry said.
A further two members of the police in another province were then caught escorting three light pick-up trucks loaded with alcohol the following day.
The ministry said those who undermine the effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus would be found and dealt with decisively.
Additional reporting by Reuters.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments