Seven undocumented foreign nationals arrested after illegal alcohol factory busted in Mpumalanga

Police in Mpumalanga have arrested seven undocumented foreign nationals after uncovering an illegal alcohol manufacturing operation at a property in Ogies.

In a statement in Saturday the South African Police Service (SAPS) officers acted on information from members of the public regarding suspicious activities at a plot in the area on Saturday, 27 June 2026.

When police arrived, they discovered a large quantity of unlabelled alcohol, brewing equipment, chemicals and packaging materials believed to have been used in the illicit production of alcohol.

The estimated street value of the seized alcohol and equipment is still being determined.

The seven suspects were arrested at the scene and initially charged with contravening the Liquor Act. Further investigations established that all seven are undocumented foreign nationals, resulting in additional charges under the Immigration Act.

Police have launched a search for the owner of the property where the illegal operation was uncovered.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Ogies Magistrate's Court soon.

SAPS thanked members of the public for reporting suspicious activities, saying community cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime.