More than 350 suspects arrested in Cross Border operation

More than 350 suspects were arrested for various crimes during multi-disciplinary Cross Border Crime Combating operation between four provinces.

Hosted under the theme ‘more boots on the ground’ the operation were held from December 19-22 between the Northern Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape and Western Cape Provinces.

The integrated approached included SAPS Units and Stations on Provincial, District and Station level as well as relevant external role players, namely; Provincial Traffic, South African National Parks, Department of Home Affairs and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, the focus of the operation was to monitor and police national routes or entry and exit routes into these provinces.

“This with an aim to enhance police visibility and combat the movement of illegal drugs, unlicensed firearms and stolen goods.

“Priority crimes were addressed by means of high density patrols in urban and rural communities, roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints.

“A total of 3317 vehicles and 7130 persons were searched at roadblocks. At various vehicle check points, 4317 vehicles and 9139 persons were searched.

“Traffic fines to the amount of over R53 000 were issued for assorted violations,” she revealed.

Ehlers stated that compliance inspections were conducted at scrapyards, second-hand goods dealers, vehicle dealerships, licensed liquor premises, licensed firearm dealers and tuck shops.

She continued; “The Northern Cape SAPS arrested 354 suspects for serious offences including; murder, attempted murder, assault GBH, rape, robbery with a weapon, burglary, drug and alcohol related crimes.

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“During the arrests and search and seizure actions, several items were confiscated such as drugs valued at over R53 000, alcohol and concoction valued at over R47 000 and dangerous weapons.

“Tracing operations resulted in the arrest of 155 wanted suspects.”

The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended the police for their professional conduct and valuable contribution towards ensuring the success of the operation as well as the counterparts from the participating provinces for safeguarding our shared borders from criminal elements.