-
40 000L of ethanol meant for export to Zimbabwe found illegally diverted at a plot near Klipspruit
A tanker carrying 40,000 liters of ethanol, with an estimated value of R11 million and intended for export to Zimbabwe, was found to have been illegally diverted to a plot of land near Klipspruit, outside of Bronkhorstspruit.
SARS officials and the police raided the property and found people decanting ethanol into flow-bins and loading them onto trucks. It is believed the liquid was destined for Zimbabwe.
Several other trucks with flow-bins and drums containing both ethanol and diesel were also seized.
SARS spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko says suspects fled the scene.
“Upon investigation, our team found more than 92 000 litres of ethanol. This ethanol is used to manufacture illicit liquor. Our team also found more than 30 000 litres of paraffin with people trying to process it and removing what we call a a1marker. This led to more than three different areas in the vicinity being investigated. Our team found trucks. On approaching the area, the drivers immediately dashed for their lives. SARS condemns this in the strongest possible terms and promises that it will continue to deal with the illicit economy.”
