The continued ban on alcohol and tobacco has given rise to thriving but potentially deadly black markets for both commodities.
The popularity of illicit products has allowed those manufacturing their own beers and cigarettes not only to take advantage of demand and inflate prices, but to take chances with ingredients that could leave consumers sick – or even dead.
Tembisa Hospital spokesperson Nothando Mdluli said that since the lockdown, there had been a surge in patients brought in for illnesses related to home-brewed alcohol and home-made cigarettes.