SAPS
Members of the K9 unit in Welkom arrested three suspects after police discovered an illegal distillery on a farm called Dankbaar just outside of the city on Thursday.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Thandi Mbambo, said police were acting on a tip-off from the Provincial Narcotics Unit when they arrested two foreign nationals, aged 34.
She said they tried to flee but were arrested.
Mbombo said the 61-year-old farm owner, who rented the property to the suspects, was also arrested.
Police also seized an unlicensed firearm from the owner’s vehicle.
Mbambo said the trio would be charged with contravening the Free State Liquor and Gambling Authority Act.
She said the three could also face further charges under the Customs and Excise Act.
Police did not divulge the estimated value of the “sophisticated distillery and its contents”, but said investigations were continuing.
The suspects will appear in the Welkom Magistrates Court soon.
