This integrated approach resulted in the arrest of 236 suspects of which more than 60 were for drug related offences. The rest of the arrests accounts for wanted suspects, possession of dangerous weapons, assaults, contravention of the immigration act , housebreaking and theft, the illegal possession of ammunition and other offences.
Counterfeit goods(Clothing, household goods and appliances) to the value of more than R1.5m were confiscated, fake DVD’s to the estimate value of R352 200, two vehicles and two trailers, 6000 cartons of illicit cigarettes to the value of R1.4m and illegal drugs (Dagga, Mandrax and Tik) to the estimated value of almost R0.5m (R494 594)
These successes again emphasises the commitment of the South African Police service to successfully monitor and police the main entrance and exit routes that run across and between the borders of these three provinces.
This integrated approach included all SAPS units, Provincial and local Municipal Traffic departments, SARS, Nature Conservation, SANDF, Immigration, Brand holders, NCRS, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Home Affairs (Immigration) and Disaster Management.
This operation mainly focused on the illegal transportation of stolen goods, fire arms, counterfeit goods, marine-fauna and flora resources, drugs, stolen non-ferrous metals, stolen livestock and rhino poaching. Warrants of arrests were executed and VCP’s and counterfeit operations were held with brand holders. High visibility was maintained in the provinces and roadblocks were held on most main and secondary routes.
This time round compliance inspections were held and various airports, airfields and flight schools were visited. One helicopter pilot was fined R10 000 for contravention of the Civil Aviation Act. He did not have his pilot licence in his possession.
Two of the major successes include the following incidents:
Two men, 36 and 24-years old from Strandfontein and Steenberg respectively, was arrested and charged for the possession of Abalone and money laundering after members found a piece of abalone and R200 000.00 in cash in their possession for which they could not account for.
Their vehicle, a VW Transporter truck was pulled over by members who conducted a search and stop operation in Bird Street, Beaufort-West on 29 March at about 10:15. With the search that ensued, members discovered a false concealed compartment that was customised under the fixed rear of the truck. Leftovers of what is believed to be abalone in this compartment was found as well as R200 000 on them for which they could not account for.
They were later released by the Beaufort-West magistrates’ court as the case was provisionally withdrawn against them pending the result of the piece of abalone that was sent to our forensic laboratory for analyses. The VW Transporter as well as the R200 000 was confiscated pending further investigation.
All three provincial commissioners are in agreement that our mission with these integrated operations remains effective and will thus continue with future operations of this nature. They commended all involve in this successful crime combatting operation and wish to thank all the external roll-players and other stakeholders for their valued contribution.
This VW Transporter truck was pulled over by members who conducted a search and stop operation in Bird Street, Beaufort-West.
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