Northern Cape part of interprovincial crime crackdown that nets 608 arrests
In a massive operation, law enforcement agencies from five provinces have arrested 608 suspects and seized millions of rands worth of stolen goods, drugs, and illicit items.
Image: Supplied / SAPS
LAW ENFORCEMENT across five South African provinces executed a co-ordinated operation from November 18 to 20, resulting in the arrest of 608 suspects. This initiative underscores a significant step forward in the fight against cross-border criminal activities that have plagued local communities.
The operations, spearheaded by the South African Police Service (SAPS), involved collaboration with numerous agencies, including Correctional Services, Home Affairs, provincial traffic departments, and various municipal law enforcement bodies, among others.
The operations included comprehensive roadblocks along provincial and national routes, vehicle checkpoints, and rigorous compliance inspections. Authorities scrutinised licensed liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealerships, while also conducting extensive stop-and-search operations that resulted in over 900 individuals being searched.
Law enforcement agencies seized millions of rand worth of illicit items, stolen goods and drugs.
Image: Supplied / SAPS
Among those arrested were suspects linked to murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery, and assault. Authorities confiscated 1,714 kilograms of copper cable, 783 counterfeit clothing items, and a staggering 80,400 cigarette sticks, with goods totalling an estimated R996,616.
Drug enforcement officials were also active during the operations, seizing significant quantities of narcotics, including dagga, crystal meth, mandrax, cocaine, and CAT, with an estimated street value of R742,000. Additionally, law enforcement confiscated illegal firearms, including an AK-47 and several revolvers, amid concerns of armed violence associated with crime.
The police confiscated illegal firearms and drugs.
Image: Supplied / SAPS
In an effort to maintain public safety, the operations also targeted illegal gambling and alcohol trading. Illicit liquor, homemade brews, and eleven gambling machines were all seized, along with stolen livestock and various stolen cash and equipment valued at over R1 million.
In alignment with wildlife conservation efforts, the operations yielded crucial recoveries of abalone, crayfish, and even a pangolin, with two suspects arrested for possessing the endangered species.
The efforts also included the arrest of 63 undocumented individuals and the seizure of illicit cigarettes worth R195,000, showcasing the breadth of law enforcement’s approach to tackling various facets of crime.
The interprovincial cross-border operation involved SAPS, Correctional Services, and other agencies from the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, North West, and Free State provinces.
Image: Supplied / SAPS
Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, the Northern Cape provincial commissioner, praised the operational collaboration between provinces, stating it has proved vital in addressing priority crimes and strengthening security across borders.
“This operation reflects our undeterred commitment to combating crime and safeguarding our communities,” said Otola, emphasising the positive impacts of inter-provincial co-operation.
The police conducted extensive stop-and-search operations.
Image: Supplied / SAPS