The Western Cape Anti-Economical Crime Task Team arrested another suspect for illegally manufacturing so-called honey on Wednesday, 10 August, in Philippi, Cape Town. SECOND HONEY BUST THIS WEEK South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the crack team followed up on information, which led them to a house in Springfield Road, Schaapkraal,…
The premises was searched and members discovered a large number of syrup containers that were labelled as honey. Pots, labels, gas canisters and gas burners were also confiscated.
“A 33-year-old undocumented Egyptian national was arrested,” said Twigg. The suspect is expected to appear before the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on charges related to the Manufacturing Act.
On Tuesday, 9 August, the same task team arrested a 40-year-old suspect – who also happens to be Egyptian – in Mitchells Plain for manufacturing and supplying illegal goods.
An address in Montclair, Mitchells Plain was raided after the police received a tip-off about an individual manufacturing illegal goods. The police spokesperson said officers found containers filled with honey along with manufacturing equipment. The confiscated goods had an estimated value of R100 000, said Twigg.
A 40-year-old suspect was arrested for illegally manufacturing honey in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town. Photo: SAPS.
As previously reported, South African beekeepers have been concerned about cheap – and often fraudulent – honey imports, saying it puts pressure on local manufacturers to overprocess their goods and undercharge to stay afloat, according to the Mail and Guardian.
In 2018, Mike Miles, the chairman of the SA Bee Industry Organisation (SABIO) told the publication that imported honey can cost between R20 to R30 per kilogram – much lower than the price of local honey at the time, which ranged between R55 to R70 per kilogram.
Adulterated honey, which often sees genuine honey mixed with other non-bee products, is also a growing concern.
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