“Mining implements and gravel containing diamonds found in their possession were confiscated.”
A MULTI-disciplinary crime prevention operation, dubbed Usalama VI, saw several police arrests in the Northern Cape recently.
Police spokesperson, Captain Olegogeng Tawana, said yesterday that the focus of the operation was to address transnational cross-border crimes at the Nakop and Vioolsdrift ports of entry.
“This was to curb crimes such as the theft of motor vehicles, drug trafficking, illegal firearms, stock theft, human trafficking, smuggling of minerals and environmental crimes.”
The operation lasted from October 30 to November 4 and several suspects were arrested in the Namakwa, ZF Mgcawu and John Taolo Gaetsewe clusters.
Among those arrested were 15 suspects, aged between 24 and 56, near Kleinzee for alleged illegal mining. “Mining implements and gravel containing diamonds found in their possession were confiscated.”
Four suspects from Upington, Calvinia, Springbok and Paballelo were arrested on charges of dealing in drugs and possession of drugs. Drugs with an estimated street value of more than R38 000 were confiscated in this regard.
Afzal (tobacco hookah molasses) illicit flavours, worth R44 600, were confiscated from two tuck shops in Rosedale near Upington, while more than 280 litres of concoction or home-brewed alcohol were confiscated in Postmasburg.
The brewers were issued with fines.
Two trucks were also confiscated during a static roadblock near Kathu after it was found that they had false licence discs. Another two exported vehicles were confiscated in Springbok.
Police in Galeshewe meanwhile confiscated copper cable weighing 82kg, with an estimated value of R5 300. The copper cable was found in a house in Galeshewe.
The suspects are expected to appear in various courts across the Province soon.
