The multi-disciplinary approach in efforts to fight crime in the Eastern Cape yielded impressive outcomes when more boots were on the ground in a three-day cross border operation near Aliwal North under Joe Gqabi District.
Members attached to four different Provinces (Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Free State) simultaneously embarked on an inter-Provincial, cross-border operation together with the strategic deployment of more than 3600 human resources. The integrated approach included various units within the South African Police Service and other external role-players that included CPF, Department of Health, Provincial Liquor Board, Stock Brand agents, NGO’s, Provincial and local traffic, border management and immigration officers
The Inter-Provincial cross border operations are quarterly operations that are held in different provinces with the aim to maintain law and order, prevent and detect crime. During the operation, 9205 actions were executed, including high visibility patrols, more especially on hotspot areas, roadblocks, checking non-compliance on liquor outlets, and second-hand good dealers. Stubborn cross-border crimes such as stolen goods, stock theft, unlicensed firearms, counterfeit goods, drugs, stolen vehicles, non-ferrous metals, and undocumented persons were addressed. A total of 9202 vehicles and 34 428 persons were searched in the vehicle checking point and roadblocks. The roadblock was conducted on exit and entry routes between Eastern Cape and Free State Provinces, and traffic fines were issued to the value of R1 113 350.00
The tracing operations resulted in the arrest of 487 wanted suspects for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, house and business robbery, rape, assaults burglary, theft, and less serious crimes.
Other notable arrests include:
Possession and / or dealing in drugs
Possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition
192 undocumented persons
They confiscated the following
Four (4) unlicensed firearms (pistol)
1018 mandrax tablets,
15kg cocaine
2215,208 kg dagga
296221 items, including electronic and audio visual equipment
Police observed a significant decline in most categories of crime during this period of the operations. The absence of serious crime in the districts bordering the four provinces can be attributed to the high density patrols and enhanced visibility in the provincial borders.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene appreciated the approach of more boots on the ground with other external role players with the common aim to curb crime in the Province. This sends a stern warning to the perpetrators that forces are committed to ensuring safety for all. The multi-disciplinary forces, together with our external role-players’ continued commitment, dedication, and professional investigation, did not go unnoticed as it ended with good results, she added.
Multi-disciplinary approach amongst four provinces during an inter-provincial cross-border operation yielded impressive outcomes https://t.co/ag5wkGFUxh#ArriveAlive #Operations @SAPoliceService @TruckAndFreight pic.twitter.com/nilF5DGQ7K
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) September 22, 2024
