STUTTERHEIM- A 36-year-old Stutterheim man has been sentenced after Hawks investigators in the province uncovered what police described as a large-scale illegal liquor manufacturing operation producing counterfeit gin branded as popular commercial products.
Luxolo Hlamvana was convicted and sentenced in the Stutterheim Magistrate’s Court on 21st July 2026 following a Hawks investigation that dismantled the illicit operation earlier this year.
The court sentenced Hlamvana to five years’ imprisonment, with the alternative of paying a R100,000 fine in structured instalments. The final payment is due by 31 October 2026.
The conviction follows an intelligence-driven raid conducted on 22 April 2026 at a residence on Riverside Road, where investigators discovered a clandestine factory manufacturing counterfeit alcoholic beverages disguised as well-known brands.
The operation was carried out by members of the KuGompo Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit, assisted by the Local Criminal Record Centre and Stutterheim SAPS Crime Prevention.
During the search-and-seizure operation, officers uncovered a fully operational production line used to bottle, package and label counterfeit spirits intended for sale to unsuspecting consumers.
A police officer involved in the investigation said the factory was producing liquor falsely labelled as Gordon’s Gin and Old Buck Dry Gin.
“The operation was producing products fraudulently labelled as Gordon’s Gin and Old Buck Dry Gin. We found what can only be described as an industrial-scale operation, complete with manufacturing equipment, packaging materials, specialised sealing tools and hundreds of empty bottles prepared for use in the counterfeiting scheme,” the officer said.
Investigators also seized nearly 500 litres of mixed liquor and approximately 200 litres of ethanol believed to have been the primary ingredient used in the manufacturing process.
The seizure further included genuine bottle caps, counterfeit labels and various pieces of equipment used to produce the fake liquor.
Police confiscated 514 bottles of suspected counterfeit Gordon’s Gin and 16 bottles of Old Buck Dry Gin that were allegedly ready for distribution.
A Nissan bakkie believed to have been used to transport the counterfeit products was also impounded.
According to the Hawks, the estimated value of the seized liquor, manufacturing equipment and other exhibits is approximately R350,000.
Charges against Hlamvana’s co-accused were later withdrawn.
Following his arrest, Hlamvana remained in custody while making several appearances before the Stutterheim Magistrate’s Court ahead of his sentencing.
The Hawks have urged members of the public to report information relating to the illegal manufacture and sale of counterfeit liquor. Anyone with information can contact Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe on 082 417 6972.
Photograph: CMC College
By: Amahle July
23 July 2026
Leave a Reply