SA and Namibian law enforcement clamp down on cross-border crime
THE SOUTH African Police Service (SAPS) and their Namibian law enforcement counterparts recently conducted a joint cross-border operation to combat various crimes.
The operation, which ran from September 19 to 22, targeted drug trafficking, the transportation of counterfeit goods, undocumented foreign nationals, violations of the Immigration Act and traffic offences at the borders between the two countries.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said that the SAPS collaborated with Customs Officials, the South African Revenue Service, the Border Management Agency, and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to carry out disruptive actions. These included inspections and searches at liquor outlets, railway premises, mines and hostels. High-visibility patrols were also conducted by air, water, vehicle and foot.
During the operation, 1,078 vehicles and 2,296 individuals were stopped and searched at various checkpoints. Authorities checked luggage, passports, permits and other travel documents. Fines totalling R8,100 were issued for various violations, including traffic offences and failure to mark animals.
The operation also led to the arrest of four suspects for drug dealing, resulting in the confiscation of mandrax and dagga with an estimated street value of R14,925, along with cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.
Additionally, two undocumented foreign nationals were detained and handed over to the relevant authorities for further processing.
The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, praised the SAPS and their partners for their dedication and co-operation in securing the borders. She also expressed gratitude to the Namibian law enforcement agencies for their significant contribution to the operation’s success.
