Man Arrested in eQonce Over Alleged Illicit Alcohol Trading.

A man was arrested in eQonce on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, during a joint operation involving Qonce SAPS and the Eastern Cape Missing Persons and Trafficking Unit.

The Ethiopian national is suspected of illegally selling and distributing illicit and potentially counterfeit alcoholic beverages.

According to preliminary information, the suspect allegedly supplied liquor to a tavern in eTshatshu, Zwelitsha, and may have operated alongside his brothers.

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality’s Municipal Health Services also participated in the operation, collecting samples of the suspected illicit alcohol for forensic testing.

Authorities are investigating possible violations of liquor legislation, customs laws, municipal health by-laws and fraud-related offences.

Investigations are ongoing, with further arrests and charges possible. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Source: Mihlali Mngaza | Photos: Philasande Maqoma