Beware of Scammers Targeting Liquor Traders in North West

The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism has issued a warning about a scam targeting liquor traders in the province. Fraudulent individuals are posing as liquor officials and contacting liquor traders, falsely claiming to facilitate liquor license renewals in exchange for money through cash send and e-wallet transactions.

Khumoetsile Taoana, the Director of Liquor Regulations, emphasized that the department has implemented stringent measures to combat such fraudulent activities since the 2018/19 renewals. These measures include the submission of necessary documents such as copies of the previous year’s renewal, original identity documents of license holders, and additional documentation in cases of deceased license holders.

Taoana reiterated the department’s commitment to assisting liquor traders without any charge and urged them to refrain from making payments to unknown third parties. The department has deployed competent officials to verify and renew liquor licenses under the provisions of the Liquor Act 27 of 1989, as amended.

To authenticate the legitimacy of renewal requests, individuals are encouraged to contact the department promptly at 018 388 5853/5862. The scam appears to be prevalent in areas around Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts.

The renewal period for liquor licenses commenced on October 1, 2023, and concluded on December 31, 2023. However, renewals from January 1 to February 29, 2024, will incur penalties ranging from 50% to 100% of the renewal fees. The Department strongly advises all liquor license holders operating within the province to ensure timely renewal of their licenses to avoid unnecessary penalties.