05/07/2025
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution when purchasing products to avoid counterfeits that may have severe health implications. This warning follows the discovery of an illicit laboratory uncovered by police intelligence on Thursday afternoon, 03 July 2025.
The Police's Anti-hijacking Task Team raided the illicit operation, located behind a supermarket at Kabokweni outside Nelspruit, after receiving intelligence regarding the manufacture of methylated spirit and vinegar.
An operation was planned and executed by the team on the said day at approximately 16:00. Upon arrival at the identified address, the laboratory was found, and a female employee was present. The owner was reportedly unavailable during the operation.
No arrests have been made, and the scene was processed accordingly. SAPS members from the Criminal Record Centre took the lead.
An inquiry has been initiated, and all items found at the premises were confiscated as part of the investigation. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) / Hawks have been enlisted to handle the inquiry moving forward.
The confiscated items include methylated spirit stored in various containers: 648 containers of 300 ml, 516 containers of 500 ml, and 216 containers of 750 ml. Additionally, vinegar was found stored inside 58 (5 litres) containers, 312 containers of 750 ml, 888 containers of 500 ml, and 660 containers of 375 ml.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the team's exceptional work. General Mkhwanazi further encouraged members of the public to report suspicious premises in their areas, assuring swift action by the Police.
