Police spokesperson, Chaka Marope, says the beer cans and 500ml bottles, containing various soft drinks with an estimated value of R500 000, were confiscated in an intelligence driven operation at the empty office apartment in what seems to be a former large dining hall in Elizabeth Street in the city.

The consignment of beer and soft drinks was separately grouped and neatly packed in white plastic bags. No drugs were confiscated by police.

According to Marope it had to be removed by several trips by one-ton trucks. It is believed that it was illegally stored and destined for illegal miners, known as zama-zamas.

He says the Celtic Football Clubs's office and the empty hall, where the goods were found, is accessed via the same entrance to the building. This could have caused confusion, as some of the goods were packed at the entrance with the football clubs' sign, due to a lack of space.

There is no link between the club and the consignment.

No arrests have been made. A case of the possession of suspected stolen property will be opened. 

Marope appeals to anyone with information to contact their nearest police station. 

OFM News