Northern Cape crime crackdown: Police seize drugs, shut down illegal liquor outlet

IN A crackdown on crime, the South African Police Service in the ZF Mgcawu District (ZFM) has arrested four suspects and seized drugs with an estimated street value of R156,350 in two separate operations on Friday, June 20 2025.

According to reports, a crime intelligence-driven operation was conducted by Upington Border Police, assisted by the K9 unit, at a premises in Paballelo. The police acted on information about a drug delivery and discovered dagga with an estimated street value of R33,350; this led to the arrest of three suspects aged 22, 28, and 38.

In a separate incident, a 31-year-old man was apprehended in possession of mandrax tablets and methamphetamine with an estimated street value of R123,000. Cellphones and a scale believed to have been used in the commission of the crime were also confiscated.

In an unrelated operation, police in Keimoes shut down an illegal liquor outlet and seized liquor worth R15,000. An elderly man was subsequently charged with contravening the Northern Cape Liquor Act.

District Commissioner Major General Monica Sebili commended the police members for their relentless efforts to eradicate drugs and related crimes. She urged the community to continue reporting illicit drug dealing, assuring them that the police would continue to tighten their grip on criminal activity in the ZFM District.