23 February 2010 - The department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism's Liquor Board joined hands
with the South African Police Services (SAPS) in the disposal of alcohol worth R20 000. The alcohol was confiscated in the case
of the State vs. Mr. G.L Netshivhumbe and was scheduled to take place on Tuesday 16 February 2010 at the Vuwani Magistrate Court in
Vhembe District.
Mr. Netshivhumbe contravened section 120 of the Liquor Act - "removal of a liquor license without the approval of the Liquor Board"
by removing his liquor license without the Liquor Board's approval. The department would like to send a message to other liquor license
holders that it is important to adhere to their trading conditions and that contravention of the Liquor Act will not be tolerated.
The invited media was there to report to the public that the perception that government officials drink the confiscated alcohol is incorrect.
By having the media present while Mr Netshivhumbe's alcohol was to be disposed of, is to instill, confidence to our people that confiscated
liquor always gets disposed of. Unfortunately, it was not to be as Mr. Netshivhumbe lodged an appeal with the court to stop his
alcohol from being disposed.
The department together with SAPS then embarked on liquor outlet inspections, whereby five liquor outlets were inspected and fifteen
people were arrested for various offences ranging from public drinking and failing to meet the conditions of their liquor licenses.
Some outlets had to be closed down and their owners taken into custody for operating with licenses that were not renewed.
Mavigo Motors, which is not far away from Maunavhathu Military Airport, was closed down and the salesperson taken into police
custody after it was discovered that the liquor license was not displayed in the premises, he was expected to pay R500 bail.
Another person was arrested for public drinking outside the outlet's premises. At Mahematshena Restaurant, since there was
no proof of liquor license renewal, the outlet was closed down and the owner encouraged to renew the license before the cut
of date of 28 February 2010.
Lalora Topview Hotel near Lwamondo was also raided, but fortunately for them they had their house in order.
It turned out that the hotel is only supposed to sell liquor only to their booked visitors. They had a visitor's
book that reflected that they were complying with the law. Mr. Masotsha, the owner of the hotel was advised by the
department to change his license so that he is also able to sell alcohol to everyone.
The second last liquor outlet to be raided and closed down was Konanani Restaurant situated near Zwavhavhili in Lwamondo.
Two people were arrested for public drinking and the owner taken into custody for selling take away alcohol when her license
prohibited her from doing so. At Lwamondo Eating House, six people including the outlet's salesperson were taken into police
custody for contravening the liquor act. According to Ms Judy Mohale from LEDET's Liquor Compliance Affairs Office,
more raids will soon follow in other districts.
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