OGIES – Seven undocumented foreign nationals remain in custody after appearing before the Ogies Magistrate's Court in connection with an alleged illicit alcohol manufacturing operation uncovered in Ogies.
The matter was postponed to 10 July 2026 for further police investigation.
The arrests were made on Saturday, 27 June 2026, after the South African Police Service (SAPS) received information about suspected illegal activities at a property in the area.
According to the Office of the Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner, police officers acted on the tip-off and searched the premises.
During the operation, officers allegedly discovered a substantial quantity of unlabelled alcohol, brewing equipment, chemicals and packaging materials suspected to have been used in the illegal production of alcoholic beverages.
The value of the seized alcohol and equipment has not yet been determined.
The seven suspects were initially charged with contravening the Liquor Act. Police later established that all seven were undocumented foreign nationals, resulting in additional charges under the Immigration Act.
Police have also launched a separate investigation into the ownership of the property where the alleged illegal operation was being conducted.
All seven accused remain in custody pending their next court appearance.
SAPS thanked members of the public whose information assisted in uncovering the alleged operation and encouraged communities to continue reporting suspected criminal activities to law enforcement agencies.
