Police shut down over 1 000 illicit taverns in Western Cape

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola destroying illegal alcohol

Police say they’ve shut down 1 011 illicit taverns and shebeens as part of the ongoing Safer Festive Season operations in the Western Cape since the 15th of October 2025.

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and senior police officials destroyed more than 20 000 litres of alcohol in Belhar on Friday, which were seized during various search operations.

The crackdown forms part of efforts to reduce alcohol-related crime and violence.

Police say they also arrested over 9 000 people for offences like drinking in public, the illegal distribution of liquor, and the illegal manufacturing of alcohol.

VIDEO | Western Cape police destroy 20 050 litres of alcohol confiscated at illegal taverns and shebeens in the province. 112 illegal taverns and shebeens have been shutdown since the start of the safer festive operation on 13 October 2025.

Video by SAPS pic.twitter.com/Nd83Ip9DRW

— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 19, 2025