MBOMBELA, Mpumalanga — Law enforcement agencies have intensified their crackdown on illegal liquor outlets in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, as part of the ongoing Operation Shanela 2. During a coordinated raid on Friday in the Mbombela Central Business District (CBD), police confiscated huge amounts of illicit alcohol and issued fines to non-compliant business owners, drawing direct oversight from Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu.
A South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson confirmed that the phase 2 operation targeted serious violations of the law, with most inspected liquor outlets found to be selling illicit alcoholic beverages. Highlighting the extent of the regulatory breaches, the spokesperson noted that in one instance, a liquor outlet was improperly operating alongside a salon.
“We managed to locate places selling illicit alcohol where we confiscated a significant amount, with the aim to close such operations because people need to comply,” the SAPS spokesperson stated. The law enforcement representative emphasized that fines were strictly issued due to the severe health and safety risks that illicit alcohol poses to consumers.
The spokesperson also urged the general public to remain cautious, noting that customs officials from SR are actively collaborating with local authorities to ensure that individuals smuggling illegal items into the country are held fully accountable.
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu expressed deep concern over the serious non-compliance observed throughout the CBD. He clarified that the objective of the raid extends beyond merely removing suspicious products from store shelves.
“The aim is also to educate them and ensure that we have got the right product on their shelves,” the Premier explained.
Addressing business owners who have protested the raids, the Premier acknowledged their frustration, noting that some had built their wealth using incorrect and illegal processes. “We understand their concern, but we’re going to engage with them. If their products are correct, then we’re going to bring their stuff back to their shelves,” he stated.
In addition to targeting illicit goods, the Operation Shanela 2 raids prioritized verifying that all targeted businesses possessed the required legal documentation to operate, signaling a sustained, multi-agency effort to restore regulatory order in the province’s hospitality and retail sectors.
