ZFM District borderline bust: SA-Botswana operation nets smugglers, contraband
Law enforcement in action during a successful cross-border operation aimed at curbing illegal activities and enhancing border security. Pictures: SAPS
A CROSS-border operation between South Africa and Botswana, conducted from September 5 to September 8 along the Van Zylsrus, Witdraai, Gemsbok, Twee Rivieren, Middleputs and Makatiesrus borderlines, has achieved significant success.
This is according to Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam, who explained that the operation focused on curbing cross-border transnational crimes, monitoring compliance with border management regulations, addressing drug proliferation, and preventing the movement of undocumented immigrants.
The operation was carried out by various units, including the Border Police, Kimberley VCIU, Upington VCIU, the Mounted unit, Border Intelligence, and the Stock Theft and Endangered Species unit, as well as the JTG and ZFM districts. Led by Lieutenant-Colonel Adrian Riddles, these units worked alongside SANParks and the Border Management Agency to carry out disruptive actions.
Key activities during the operation included compliance inspections, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), stop-and-search operations, foot and vehicle patrols along the border and secondary roads, and efforts to prevent crimes in transit, such as smuggling drugs and other illegal goods.
Four VCPs were established on the Van Zylsrus and Upington-Rietfontein roads, where 229 vehicles and 674 individuals were stopped and searched.
The operation saw multiple successes, including:
- 33 compliance inspections were conducted by the multi-disciplinary law enforcement team.
- Numerous fines were issued for violations of road traffic, gambling and liquor laws.
- During search operations, the team confiscated illegal substances, including dagga.
- One undocumented person was arrested for violating the Immigration Act.
The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, emphasised that policing cross-border crimes is essential in combating smuggling and other illegal activities.
She reaffirmed the Northern Cape police’s commitment to ensuring the safety of both countries, noting that such actions benefit the public.
Sergeant Sam concluded by saying that the police remain determined to continue their efforts against illegal activities along the border.
