Simultaneous cross-border police operations in the Namakwa and ZF Mgcawu districts in the Northern Cape saw 65 suspects nabbed for various crimes.
SIMULTANEOUS cross-border police operations in the SARPCCO regions (Namakwa and ZF Mgcawu districts in the Northern Cape) saw 65 suspects nabbed for various crimes between July 27-29.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mashay Gamieldien said the cross-border operation, dubbed Operation Gijima, focused on the Vioolsdrift Port of Entry area, which borders Namibia on the N7 about 120 kilometres from Springbok, and the Nakop Port of Entry area, on the N10 about 130 kilometres from Upington.
Gamieldien explained that the operation commenced with a briefing session held in Springbok on July 26, conducted by the acting deputy provincial commissioner for Crime Detection, Brigadier Nicky Mills, who was also the overall commander of the operation and actively participated in the execution of the police actions.
“The focus areas of the operation addressed theft of motor vehicles, illicit drug trafficking, illicit trafficking of firearms and ammunition, human trafficking and smuggling, smuggling of minerals, theft of copper cables and wildlife-related crimes, as well as crimes committed during the time frame of Operation Gijima,” said Gamieldien.
“A total of 65 arrests were effected for the period.
“Tracing operations for national and daily wanted suspects were also conducted in the two districts, which resulted in the apprehension and arrest of two suspects on the national wanted list and 16 on the daily wanted list for various crimes including rape, domestic violence, assault GBH, housebreaking and theft.
“Ten arrests were made for possession and dealing in drugs, while drugs with an estimated street value of R510,000 were confiscated at various locations in Port Nolloth, Steinkopf, Garies, Rosedale, Paballelo, Keimoes and Kakamas.
“A further 19 persons were arrested for other crimes.”
Gamieldien added that numerous vehicle checkpoints were conducted on national and secondary roads, during which vehicles were stopped and searched.
Trucks crossing the border at the two Ports of Entry were also searched.
“Eighteen undocumented Lesotho nationals were apprehended and arrested on a farm in the Augrabies farming area.
“The SAPS fixed-wing Porter aircraft also conducted air patrols covering the coastal areas and the borderline.
“A total of 448 litres of alcohol to the value of R11,485 was seized during raids at liquor outlets in Upington in conjunction with the Northern Cape Liquor Board.”
Brigadier Mills commended the members of both district offices, stations, units and provincial components who participated in the planning and execution of the police actions for the “discipline and professionalism” displayed during the operation.
He also stated that the “disruptive actions” sent a clear message that the police in the Northern Cape will not tolerate any criminal activities, including at the border.
