This after Destea in the Free State, through the consumer protection unit with police and the Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA), recently raided a liquor outlet that was found dealing in illicit alcohol - this included the tampering of labels as well as bottle caps.

According to the statement issued by Destea MEC, Makalo Mohale, the response from the department followed shortly after a Facebook post by a community member last week, alleging that the illicit trade of alcohol was thriving at an Odendaalsrus bottle store near the taxi rank.

Mohale says the illicit alcohol was confiscated and a man has been charged with contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act as investigations continue. He added that through collective operations such as this one, they will reclaim the economy, reconstruct and restore it to South-Africa's people. In a statement, he also urged the public to report the illicit sale of alcohol to police so that the perpetrators can be dealt with.

"This is one of the key elements that the draft Bill seeks to provide for the promotion and development of the Free State economy and to create a conducive environment for the attainment of that purpose by regulating the licensing of businesses, providing for exclusive ownership and operation of certain specified businesses categories for citizens."

He says it also seeks the regulation of foreign ownership of certain business categories through prescribed quarts, designating certain commodities for the mandatory enterprise development by all businesses and provincial state organs.

Added to that it is to "provide for mandatory and exclusive sourcing and procurement by the state organs, of locally produced commodities, to provide for establishment as a coordinating representative of the businesses community in those respective areas and to provide for matters connected there with or incidental thereto," said Mohale.

He concluded that he will leave no stone unturned to ensure that illicit traders are brought to book.

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