Fake Gin Factory Exposed: Five Malawian Nationals Arrested In Cape Town Bust

Five Malawian nationals have been arrested after authorities uncovered an illegal liquor manufacturing factory in Durbanville, Cape Town, leading to the seizure of thousands of litres of homemade gin.

The arrests followed a tip-off from the community and have sparked renewed warnings about the dangers of counterfeit alcohol.

Illegal Liquor Factory Discovered in Durbanville

The suspects were arrested on Monday, 5 January 2026, by the City of Cape Town’s Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs).

City Safety and Security teams confiscated more than 2 000 litres of homemade gin after discovering an illegal distillation setup at the property.

Western Cape MEC for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the bust followed information received by the Public Emergency Call Centre (PECC).

“The NSO officers responded and, on their arrival, were granted permission to enter the property. Once inside, they discovered 11 large drums filled with the gin as well as a machine seemingly being used to distil the alcohol.”

Counterfeit Alcohol Scheme Uncovered

Smith said officers also uncovered evidence suggesting the liquor was being packaged for illegal resale.

He added that the suspects had collected bottles of two popular alcohol brands and were bottling the homemade gin to appear legitimate.

“Officers arrested three males and two females aged between 18 and 39 on charges of illegal manufacturing of alcohol, contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act and possession of presumed stolen property.

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“The scene was handed over to Durbanville Saps [South African Police Service], and our teams have been informed that the homeowner, a Chinese national, has subsequently been arrested.

“The suspects are expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. In addition, the suspected counterfeit liquor will now be sent for forensic analysis,” Smith said.

Police Warn of Deadly Dangers of Fake Alcohol

Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Durbanville SAPS is investigating the case.

“Durbanville Saps is investigating a case of illegal manufacturing of alcohol after a manufacturing plant was uncovered by the City of Town’s Metro Police on Monday.

“The discovery of this plant will be used as a stepping stone to uncover more illegal manufacturing plants in this illicit industry,” Twigg said.

Smith issued a strong warning about the risks associated with counterfeit liquor, saying “counterfeit alcohol is extremely dangerous” and often contains toxic substances that can cause serious health complications and even death.

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