How Dagga Decriminalisation Changed Criminal Convictions
Drug-related crimes have plummeted since a 2018 ConCourt ruling
Dagga
SA spent R7.7 billion on alcohol over the December holidays
SA spent R7.7 billion on alcohol over the December holidays
Social Development Deputy Minister Ganief Henricks has told the portfolio committee on Social Development the scourge of substance and drug abuse is a challenge not only for South Africa, but globally.
Addressing the portfolio committee on Wednesday, the Deputy Minister highlighted the consequences of drug abuse on South African society.
The Deputy Minister led a team from the Department of Social Development and the Central Drug Authority in tabling the 2023/2024 Central Drug Authority Annual Report before the committee.
Ahead of presenting the report, Deputy Minister Hendricks noted that according to the South African Society of Psychiatrists one out of every five adults abuse mind-altering substances.
South Africans spent R7.7 billion on alcohol between the week of 25 December 2024 to 1 January 2025.
“According to the South African Society of Psychiatrists, almost 20% of South Africans – one out of every five adults – abuse mind-altering substances, with alcohol, painkillers (codeine) and dagga the worst offenders,” the Deputy Minister said.
He added that the rising figures of illicit drug use suggested that the country was losing the war on drugs.
“The annual cost to the country of alcohol abuse alone, in terms of absenteeism, lost productivity, health and welfare costs, and alcohol-related crime is estimated at up to 10% of the gross domestic product, or as much as R37.9 billion annually, according to a 2014 study in the South African Medical Journal.
“You can imagine how much it costs the country, especially its causal relations to gender-based violence and femicide, and all the social ills,” Hendricks said.
Turning to the 2023/2024 annual report from the Central Drug Authority, the Deputy Minister told the committee that the report highlighted some of the continued and sustained milestones during the sixth administration, particularly in terms of the investments made by national departments, public entities, provinces, the provincial substance abuse forums, and local drug action committees in people, through their various interventions to address and counter the drug problem in the country.
The Deputy Minister noted that South Africa, like other countries, was adversely affected by substance use and substance use disorders; alcohol being the most widely used psychoactive substance in the country.
“I am pleased to state that Cabinet has approved the Prevention and Treatment for Substance Use Disorder Policy,” he said.
He explained that the policy sought to introduce gamechangers in curbing the scourge of substance abuse in the country and would enable the sector to review current outdated legislation and address emerging trends.
Another critical milestone was that the department had initiated a process to establish an interministerial committee to address the scourge of substance abuse.
The Central Drug Authority presentation focused primarily on the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan 2019-2024 by key stakeholders, thus reducing the supply, demand and harm caused by substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking which, the Deputy Minister said, “are directly affecting the poor, vulnerable and other key populations in our communities”. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 13:32
6 views
Twenty suspects nabbed during Vala Umgodi operations in Limpopo
Twenty suspects nabbed during Vala Umgodi operations in Limpopo
The prompt response from Limpopo Vala Umgodi multidisciplinary forces has led to the arrest of 20 suspects involved in illegal mining, drug dealing and violations of immigration laws.
In a statement on Tuesday, Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, said chrome worth over R1 million was also seized during an operation conducted on Sunday, following credible information from the community.
In Sekhukhune District, the task team acted on a tip-off regarding a drug dealer operating at the Groblersdal taxi rank.
Hadebe said the team’s swift response led to the arrest of a 31-year-old suspect, who was found in possession of 34 sachets of rock drugs, including 36 sachets of nyaope, 31 sachets of dagga, one plastic bag containing dagga and R656 in cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
A 53-year-old male suspect was also arrested at the same taxi rank for possession of four packs of illicit Remington Gold cigarettes.
“Further investigations led the team to a farm in Dithamaga village, Burgersfort, where illegal mining activities were taking place. Two male suspects, aged 38 and 58, were apprehended for illegally mining chrome with an excavator,” Hadebe said.
A total of 13 loads of chrome, with an estimated value of R1 058 560, and an excavator were also confiscated.
“In separate operations across the Capricorn, Mopani and Vhembe Districts, 15 individuals, aged between 22 and 41 years, were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act. The suspects were found to be in the country without the necessary documentation,” Hadebe said.
Hadebe has commended the joint efforts of the police and the community in combatting crime in the province.
She said the suspects are expected to appear before the respective magistrate’s courts in due course.
Twelve arrested for illicit mining in Northern Cape
Meanwhile, the continuous intelligence-driven disruptive operations conducted by the multidisciplinary teams of Operation Vala Umgodi, with a focus on illicit mining and other related crimes, has led to the arrest of 12 suspects in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts, Northern Cape.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane, said police received information about suspected illegal mining activities taking place at a mining hotspot in Kleinzee, in the west coast of the Northern Cape.
Further investigation led to the arrest of four suspects, aged between 35 and 57, for alleged illegal mining and trespassing on Saturday.
“The police seized equipment suspected to be used in the commission of illicit mining, and bags containing possible suspected diamond bearing material,” Shemane said.
In Frances Baard District, the police also received information about illegal activities taking place at identified locations in Barkly West.
Shemane said the police arrested five undocumented persons between the ages of 26 and 47, as well as the seizure of ammunition.
“Furthermore, members received information regarding the sale of drugs in Windsorton and upon arrival, a male suspect was searched, and suspected drugs were found in his possession. The 65-year-old suspect was subsequently arrested,” Shemane said.
During a search in another location in Kimberley, drugs were found and confiscated. A 50-year-old man was arrested for possession of drugs.
In an unrelated matter, a 36-year-old male was apprehended on Sunday in Galeshewe for dealing in drugs.
“Drugs with an estimated value of R3 000 were confiscated with a substantial amount of money believed to be the proceeds of criminal activities,” Shemane said.
Shemane has reassured that the police will continue with their concerted efforts in addressing illicit mining activities, as well as other related crimes.
The public is reminded to report any criminal activities to SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 01/21/2025 - 12:26
167 views
Police seize counterfeit goods in Musina
Police seize counterfeit goods in Musina
Counterfeit and illicit goods valued at over R5 million have been seized in a police operation in Musina, Limpopo.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with its crime-fighting partners, conducted an operation that was spearheaded by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with support from the SAPS Gauteng Drone Team, including the Bloemfontein K9 Unit, South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, and brand protectors on Sunday.
A roving team comprising SAPS members from specialised units deployed in Limpopo, as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, also participated in the operation.
The team executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a shopping mall in Musina's central business district.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, said more than 2 000 counterfeit and illicit items, including sneakers, clothing, cellphone accessories, perfume and consumables, were confiscated during the operation.
She said two Eritrean nationals and one Bangladeshi national, all asylum seekers, were arrested for dealing in counterfeit goods.
The Bangladeshi national faces an additional charge for bribery after attempting to bribe officers at the scene to evade arrest.
“On the same day, the team stopped and searched vehicles in the area, which led them to arrest a suspect for possession of a stolen vehicle. The members also seized dagga and drugs found abandoned in a taxi after the driver and commuters fled the scene on foot,” Van Wyk said in a statement.
Van Wyk noted that while primarily tasked with addressing crimes associated with illicit mining, the members contribute to combating a broader range of criminal activities in the province.
She said SAPS, together with its partners, remains steadfast in its efforts to eliminate the illegal trade of counterfeit and illicit goods, which poses risks to consumers, harm legitimate businesses, and undermine the economy of the country. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 10:38
153 views
Limpopo police arrest 25 for illegal mining and other transgressions
Limpopo police arrest 25 for illegal mining and other transgressions
Twenty-five suspects have been arrested for various transgressions, including illegal mining in Limpopo, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
This as the SAPS’ Operation Vala Umgodi continues across the country.
In a statement on Sunday, the police said the 25 were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act, possession of illicit drugs, and involvement in illegal mining activities over the weekend.
“The operation was conducted between 28 and 29 December 2024 -which was a coordinated effort, together with South African National Defence Force. The operation was aimed at addressing illegal mining and related criminal activities that brings instability within the mining environments,” said the SAPS.
The suspects were arrested in various locations across the five Districts of Limpopo, for illegal possession of narcotics and unlawful mining.
Police also apprehended numerous undocumented foreign nationals who were contravening the Immigration Act.
Illicit drugs such as crystal meth, along with mining equipment including shovels and spades were seized.
In Mokopane, Waterberg District, eleven undocumented foreign nationals were arrested. In Maake, Mopani District, five individuals were arrested while in the Capricorn District, six arrests were made within the area.
Additionally, the Sekhukhune District Task Team traced and arrested a 34-year-old suspect for assault with grievous bodily harm (GBH) in Groblersdal. Two suspects were also arrested for possession of suspected crystal meth and dagga in the Marble Hall policing area.
The other suspect was found in possession of cash which amounts to R3000-00 believed to be proceeds from the drugs.
“The arrested suspects will face charges under the Immigration Act, possession of illicit drugs, illegal mining, and other related charges,” said the police.
Meanwhile, government says a number of illegal miners, known as Zama Zamas, have voluntarily emerged from the disused mine shafts in Stilfontein in the North West, indicating that these individuals have the capability to exit the underground tunnels independently.
This is according to a statement issued by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) on Sunday.
“Their delayed emergence appears to be a tactic to evade arrest by law enforcement agencies. Contrary to claims that food underground ran out months ago, evidence suggests that the miners have had access to supplies until recently,” said NATJOINTS.
READ | Illegal miners voluntarily emerge from Stilfontein mine shafts
In the statement, government said it was working to tackle the underlying socio-economic issues that contribute to illegal mining, including unemployment and lack of economic opportunities. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Mon, 12/30/2024 - 10:03
455 views
Hundreds arrested in Northern Cape on various charges
Hundreds arrested in Northern Cape on various charges
Police in the Northern Cape have arrested some 429 suspects during the weekly Safer Festive Season operations - a continuation of Operation Shanela.
According to a police statement, SA Police Service members arrested the suspects on a range of charges, including illegal possession of uncut diamonds, illicit mining, murder, rape, illegal dealing in liquor, dealing in drugs, undocumented persons, assaults, malicious damage to property, contravention of protection orders, house breaking and theft, theft out of motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Numerous vehicle control points and static roadblocks were conducted across the province on all national and secondary roads, during which 6368 vehicles were stopped and 16 988 persons were searched.
“Compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers and liquor premises. Mines, farms, formal and informal businesses were also visited. During the operations the police confiscated firearms, cellphones, dangerous weapons, large volumes of alcoholic beverages, mandrax, tik, dagga and money believed to be proceeds of crime,” the statement read.
Furthermore, a zero-tolerance approach will be taken this New Year’s Eve.
“The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, assured the public that operations will continue unabatedly during New Year celebrations and beyond.
“She reiterated that a zero-tolerance approach will be adopted and the abuse and misuse of alcohol will not be tolerated. Crimes committed against women and children will be vigorously policed. Authorities will be on high alert at parks, taverns, social gatherings and pleasure resorts,” the statement said.
Communities are also urged to adhere to by-laws “pertaining to the discharging of fireworks and illegal spinning as all perpetrators will face the full might of the law”.
“Road safety will be prioritised and motorists are warned that they can expect to be detained if found transgressing the rules of the road. The authority of the state will be stamped down as we head into 2025,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 12/30/2024 - 11:31
103 views
Turning Cape Town’s Vacant Land Into Indigenous Gardens
German-South African collaboration is “greening” urban spaces
Four suspects nabbed in Limpopo for possession of illicit cigarettes, dealing in drugs
Four suspects nabbed in Limpopo for possession of illicit cigarettes, dealing in drugs
Four male suspects, aged between 26 and 38, have been apprehended at separate locations during routine operational duties conducted by various police units across the Capricorn District in Limpopo.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), a foreign national was nabbed on Friday at Lebowakgomo RDP, Zone F for possession of 28 plastic bags containing dagga estimated at R28 000 and a substantial amount of cash.
The SAPS said the operation was led by the members of the Lebowakgomo police with the Polokwane SAPS, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Public Order Policing (POP).
Then, at around 2pm on the same day, members of the POP received information about a 38-year-old foreign national male who was allegedly dealing in illicit cigarettes at a local Spaza shop in the Lebowakgomo complex.
“Police responded to a tip-off that resulted in the illicit cigarettes, valued at R300 000, being discovered inside the shop and further confiscated a white Mercedes Benz motor vehicle belonging to the owner suspected to be the transporter.”
In addition, a 32-year-old male suspect was nabbed by the Provincial Organised Crime Intelligence Unit in Polokwane central business district (CBD) while in possession of heroin and crystal meth with an estimated street value of R1 700.
The Provincial Crime Intelligence Cluster Coordination Narcotics Task Team jointly with the Provincial Organised Crime Unit arrested a 26-year-old male suspect along Indian Centre in Polokwane at about 7:20pm for possession of drugs.
“The suspect was immediately arrested for possession of 50 sachets of nyaope and eight sachets of crystal meth drugs with an estimated value of R2 500.”
The suspects are expected to appear before the Lebowakgomo and Polokwane Magistrate’s Court soon, as police investigations continue. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 10/06/2024 - 11:46
190 views
Court Sets Aside Conviction in Dagga Case
The magistrate had relied on a section of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act that was declared unconstitutional almost 30 years ago
Police record major successes in breaking syndicates, gangs
Police record major successes in breaking syndicates, gangs
With recent successes in arresting members of organised criminal syndicates and gangs, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has demonstrated its commitment and dedication to fighting serious and violent crimes.
This is according to SAPS National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, who briefed the media on Thursday.
“We are responding decisively to the war declared by criminals and we remain resolute in our efforts to fight crime and anyone who threatens the safety and security of law abiding citizens and have thus adopted an aggressive approach in ensuring that we stamp the authority of the state,” Masemola said in Johannesburg.
Providing an update on the countrywide police operations, Masemola said the recent successes in crime fighting shows that police are tightening their grip on serious and violent crime, thus putting them one step ahead of criminals.
“Through our high density operations that sees the Provincial Commissioner of each province actively taking part and leading operations on the ground, we have been able to secure the arrest of 766 237 suspects for various crimes.
“These include 161 752 wanted suspects for priority crimes, including murder, cash-in-transit armed robberies, sexual offences, rape, car hijacking and firearm-related offences.
“We have established and beefed up cash-in-transit task teams, particularly in the Eastern Cape, where a number of them have been recorded in the month of July. In the past month alone, 13 cash in transit robbers were arrested in the province while six suspects were fatally wounded during confrontation with police,” Masemola said.
The police have also registered a breakthrough with the arrest of at least ten suspects linked to ATM bombings in Gauteng.
Eight of the suspects were intercepted in Katlehong, Thokoza, and Soweto in Gauteng while another two were traced to Senekal in the Free State.
“These arrests were effected with the assistance of our partners in the banking sector and key stakeholders in the fight against crime. These suspects are being linked to more than 20 ATM bombings that took place in Soweto and the East Rand,” he said.
Furthermore, a gang of 44 suspects were intercepted by Gauteng police three weeks ago at a liquor warehouse in Kempton Park.
“The suspects were caught in the act of loading alcohol worth R15 million into four different trucks. The suspects have already appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrate Court on a charge of business robbery,” the National Commissioner said.
Drug busts
In the last two weeks, a clandestine drug lab worth R2 billion was shut down in Limpopo where two Mexican nationals are among the five suspects arrested.
“In the Western Cape, R252 million worth of cocaine was seized at a roadblock in Stillbaai. A Russian national is among two suspects arrested in this case. In the same week, police also seized R40 million worth of dagga in Magaliesburg here in Gauteng.
“Mpumalanga has also registered a number of successes in relation to major drug busts. Between May and June this year, R4 million worth of dagga, R4 million worth of cocaine and R4 million worth of Crystal meth was seized in different parts of the province, including Nelspruit and Komatipoort.
“We have destroyed large quantities of drugs worth R2 billion in 12 months. These include cocaine, crystal meth and unregistered medicines. Through Operation Shanela, 21 161 criminals were arrested for dealing in drugs while 64 351 were arrested for being in possession of drugs,” the National Commissioner said.
The ongoing gang related violence in the Eastern and Western Cape and Gauteng continues to receive priority with the deployment of the Anti Gang Unit and specialised units in identified hotspots.
“Dedicated interventions are continuing and several gang leaders and members have been arrested in the past six months. These include 64 gang members arrested in Westbury. Thirty-four of them belong to the Fast gang group that were operating in Westbury, Langlaagte and Eldorado Park. During this period, 36 gang members from the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal and Limpopo were convicted to a collective 350 year’s imprisonment,” he said.
In the last seven days, 106 firearms were confiscated during operations across the country. Forty of these firearms were seized in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Of the 106 firearms, 90 are hand guns, eight are homemade firearms, seven are rifles while one shotgun was seized.
In two years, more than 20 000 firearms have been seized from all corners of the country.
“In the Western Cape where we experience a lot of firearm related gang violence, 3100 firearms have been confiscated to date while in Gauteng, 673 firearms have been seized during tracing operations during a 12 month period,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 12:16
79 views
Mpondoland dagga growers left out to dry
Six years after the Constitutional Court judgment, small-scale dagga growers are sliding deeper into poverty while businesses profit in South Africa’s “cowboy” cannabis industry
Minister welcomes arrest of 95 Libyans in Mpumalanga
Minister welcomes arrest of 95 Libyans in Mpumalanga
Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has welcomed the arrest of 95 Libyan nationals who are alleged to have been receiving training at an illegal military training camp in White River, Mpumalanga.
The Libyan nationals allegedly entered the country with visas that were acquired through misrepresentation in Tunis, Tunisia.
“One operation at a time, we must restore the rule of law. Following a major joint operation by Home Affairs, [the] South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement authorities, the department is on the ground ensuring that anyone who breached immigration laws is processed through the court. Respect our laws, or there will be consequences,” said the Minister in a statement on Saturday.
The Minister said that the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has already cancelled the irregularly acquired visas and is working with other law enforcement authorities to look at all options, including deportation.
The visa cancellation means that all the affected Libyans are now undocumented foreign nationals.
Schreiber has instructed the department to provide full support to this multidisciplinary effort.
This as as the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola assured the nation that the SAPS will ensure a thorough investigation into allegations that the Libyan nationals were allegedly receiving military training at the site.
General Masemola welcomed the intelligence driven operation that led to the takedown operation on Thursday morning by a multidisciplinary team including detectives and specialised units within the SAPS.
A team of detectives is investigating alleged suspicious activities that are taking place at the farm in White River.
“When a team led by SAPS detectives arrived at the farm they found the Libyans housed in military tents. Military training equipment was also found including licensed firearms. SAPS detectives cannot rule out the possibility that the farm that is accredited as a security training site is allegedly being utilised as an illegal military training camp,” said the SAPS which is working closely with the DHA on the case.
General Masemola said the police will leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of what kind of activities have been taking place on the farm.
“During the takedown operation, police also found dagga and cocaine. Some of the other drugs found in their possession are being sent to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory in Pretoria to identify them as illegal substances,” he said.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu conducted a walkabout of the site on Saturday.
“Thorough investigations by various law enforcement agencies are underway,” he said in post on social media platform, X.
Masemola said the safety and security of citizens is of paramount importance and that the SAPS remains committed to dealing decisively with transnational organised crime.– SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 07/28/2024 - 10:59
79 views
Elsa Pooley shares 4 winter garden tips following Botanical Society tour at Renishaw Hills
Winter on the KZN South Coast has to be experienced in person, and with its spectacular gardens, coastal forests, and biodiverse wetland, there’s no better place to visit than Renishaw Hills. This year, visitors got the chance to discover these indigenous gardens as Renishaw Hills played host to the prestigious Botanical Society Winter Gardens fundraiser …
Operation Shanela nets more than 900 suspects in the Free State
Operation Shanela nets more than 900 suspects in the Free State
Operation Shanela has nabbed 967 suspects in the Free State last week.
Police in the province say 50 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs, with nine being arrested for rape, four for murder and 14 for attempted murder, while 28 were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons.
Twenty-one suspects were arrested for property crimes; 45 were arrested for malicious damage to property and 107 were arrested for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
In Virginia, on 26 June 2024, members of Crime Intelligence provided information on two suspected vehicles seen around petrol garages.
Three suspects were arrested after an illegal firearm was found in the vehicle in which they were driving. The second vehicle, a VW Golf, was traced and found with three occupants, and a firearm was also found and confiscated.
In another incident, a vehicle was traced and stopped. All three males found in the vehicle were also arrested after a 9mm firearm was found and confiscated.
In Rouxville, one foreign national was arrested after his bakkie was stopped at a roadblock and while the police were searching the vehicle, they found boxes of illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R12 million.
In Springfontein, two males, aged 23 and 25, were arrested after they were stopped by highway patrol on the N1 and dagga worth an estimated R1.7 million was found in the back of their bakkie.
In Batho, an illegal foreign national was arrested after he was found with an unlicensed firearm. This is after police received information that the suspect might have been part of a group that robbed a tuckshop.
Detective tracing operations, as part of Operation Shanela, saw more than 215 suspects, who did not have the legal documents to be in South Africa, being taken to Home Affairs for further handling.
Thirty-three people were arrested for driving under the influence, while 253 drivers were fined for contravention of the Traffic Act.
Operations are continuing throughout the province and community members are urged to continue providing information on crimes taking place, and to work with police to identify possible suspects. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 07/02/2024 - 09:37
180 views
Over 281 000 people intercepted from unlawfully entering SA
Over 281 000 people intercepted from unlawfully entering SA
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has successfully intercepted and prevented more than 281 000 people from unlawfully entering South Africa since the initial deployment of border guards last year.
“It is in this celebratory mode of 30 years of democracy, coupled with the first anniversary of the BMA that we are presented with an opportunity to reflect on the benefits of moving away from a multi-agency approach to an integrated border management platform under a single command and control,” said Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Mike Masiapato.
The BMA celebrated its first anniversary on 1 April this year.
“To this end, the BMA has taken full control of all immigration, health, agricultural and environmental functions across all ports of entry, with the departments retaining responsibility for policy and legislation,” Masiapato said at a media briefing held on Sunday.
However, the access control function across the ports of entry remains co-implemented between the border guards and the South African Police Services (SAPS) due to the capacity challenges confronting the BMA.
Masiapato presented the report on the authority’d 2024 Easter plan, which ran for 10 days starting from 26 March to 4 April 2024.
During the Easter period, the BMA facilitated 1 136 250 travellers across South Africa’s 71 ports of entry. This was a 24% increase, with 222 391 more travellers facilitated and registered compared to last year.
Operations
The Commissioner revealed that 3 841 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally were intercepted.
He said that there was a decrease in the number of undocumented and unaccompanied minors arriving at ports of entry during the Easter period of 2024.
Although this was a positive development, the agency intercepted five children at the Beitbridge port of entry on 28 March 2024.
The children were handed over to the Department of Social Development and have since been returned to their home country.
He also shared about the incident involving a child at the Grobler’s Bridge port of entry where a woman was attempting to exit South Africa to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) via Botswana.
“The supposed ‘mother’ did not have a passport but was carrying an Emergency Travel Document, which was issued by the embassy of the DRC and the child was completely undocumented. They were both handed over to the colleagues of the Department of Social Development who processed and took them to the place of safety within Limpopo.”
In addition, eight penalties were issued to some bus companies found transporting illegal migrants in various ports of entry to the value of R270 000.
“At this point, we would like to send a stern warning to all conveyers to desist from transporting illegal migrants in or out of South Africa.”
The border guards also managed to intercept and deny entry to about seven cargo consignments of meat worth about R9 294 551 which were destined to enter South Africa through the port of Cape Town due to non-compliance.
They also seized about 748 kg of non-compliant regulated agricultural products at various ports of entry.
In the period of 10 days, BMA health specialists screened about 91 743 travellers for various infectious and or communicable diseases and seized about 120 tablets, 57 658 mg of medications, 59 530 ml of cosmetics and about 50 insulin injections.
The guards working with the SAPS arrested about 143 individuals for committing various crimes and transgressions within the ports of entry and the border law enforcement area.
“The majority of these individuals served as facilitators of illegal activities around the ports of entry and were therefore charged for aiding and abetting. Interestingly, one individual was arrested at Lebombo port of entry to Mozambique while in possession of 13 passports attempting to bribe an immigration specialist with some banknotes which were placed in between the pages of the individual passports.”
In addition, about R641 of dagga with the value of R2 602 500 was seized and destroyed in both Grobler's Bridge port of entry to Botswana and Caledonspoort port of entry to Lesotho.
Another joint operation by officials of the SAPS, South African Reserve Service (SARS) and BMA included 217 master cases of counterfeit cigarettes with the value of R3 351 690 at the Lebombo port of entry from Mozambique en route to South Africa.
Other operations include the interception of 573 items of counterfeit alcohol, 272 pairs of counterfeit clothing and parts of a Toyota Hilux 4 x 4 worth R150 000.
“As the BMA, we remain committed to robustly confront the complex challenges associated with border management across all modalities, ranging from sea, land and air,” said the Commissioner. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 12:17
384 views
Dagga worth over R600 000 seized at the border
Dagga worth over R600 000 seized at the border
Members of the South African Police Service’s border policing unit have arrested a 43-year-old truck driver from the Kingdom of Eswatini for allegedly attempting to smuggle dagga into South Africa.
In a statement on Friday, the SAPS said the male suspect was apprehended at the Oshoek Port of Entry in the early hours of Thursday morning.
According to police, at around 00:30am, the suspect was searched by members of the SAPS on the arrivals side of the port of entry.
“It was during this search that the astute members discovered the dagga concealed under a load of timber. As a result, the driver was detained and charged accordingly,” the statement said.
A total of 150kgs of dagga with an estimated street value of R630 840 was seized.
The truck, with number plates from the Kingdom of Eswatini, was confiscated together with the seized dagga for further investigation.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Elukwatini Magistrate's Court today.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner of the Police, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has applauded the members for their dedication.
"The continuous arrests and successes witnessed at the borders prove that indeed the members are working with diligence. They are doing an excellent work on daily basis,” General Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 03/22/2024 - 10:20
232 views
Operation Shanela nets 1 651 suspects in Limpopo
Operation Shanela nets 1 651 suspects in Limpopo
Police in Limpopo, together with other law enforcement agencies, have arrested 1 651 suspects and recovered seven stolen or hijacked motor vehicles during Operation Kukula (Shanela).
The operation was held across the five districts from Monday until Sunday.
The Department of Home Affairs and private security companies also formed part of the operation.
The suspects were arrested for charges such as murder, attempted murder, robberies, rape, sexual offenses, assaults, burglaries, fraud, theft, malicious damage to property, public drinking, drug-related cases and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The operations were conducted through roadblocks, stop and searches, blue light patrols, compliance inspections at liquor premises and second-hand dealers, among other duties.
During the operation, 20 suspects were nabbed for transgression of the Domestic Violence Act, 393 suspects for contravention of the Immigration Act and 117 suspects for drug-related crimes.
The drugs confiscated were 1552.174 grams of dagga, 1 dagga plant, 4.601 grams of crystal meth and 34 grams of nyaope.
Police said they recovered nine firearms, 28 knives, 32 dangerous weapons, 604 162 counterfeit cigarette sticks and 569627.5ml of liquor.
Police attended to 549 reports of domestic violence and 281 protection orders were served.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe has commended the teams for working relentlessly and ensuring that the citizens in the province are safe and secured.
The suspects have started to appear before various magistrate’s courts across the province. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 14:16
416 views
Wildside Times Magazine Issue Seven – Read It Online Or Pick Up A Copy
29 December 2023: St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape – Issue Seven of the local magazine Wildside Times is free from various outlets. You can find your copy at the SUPERSPAR Village Square in St Francis Bay, The Bakery in the old village, and Blue Bottle Store. Alternatively, you can read it online at issuu.com In a time …
K-9, rural safety units fabricate inroads in battle against crime
K-9, rural safety units make inroads in fight against crime
The Mossel Bay, Overstrand and Swartland K-9 Units, in partnership with the areas Rural Safety Units (RSUs), continue to make inroads in the fight against crime, particularly in their communities.
Between 4 and 17 December 2023, the units with various municipal law enforcement agencies and the South African Police Service, arrested 57 people for various crimes.
Of the 57 arrested, 32 were apprehended in the Overstrand municipal area, three in Mossel Bay and 22 were arrested in the Swartland.
This is according to the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety.
“In total, 18kg of dagga was confiscated in the last two weeks, along with more than 726 mandrax tablets. Other contraband, including West Coast Rock Lobster, their tails and abalone were also confiscated,” the department said.
It said the Mossel Bay K-9 unit had various operations, which included searches at two different addresses in Herbetsdale, where a combined total of 1kg of dagga, including more than 155 mandrax tablets and 21 plastic bankies, suspected to be tik, were discovered and confiscated.
One person was also found with half mandrax tablets at a taxi rank in the Mossel Bay’s central business district.
The department said the Swartland units had operations in Malmesbury, Moorreesburg, Riebeek-Valley, Vredendal, Vredeburg, Saldanha Bay, Yezerfontein and Piketberg with suspects arrested for among other things, dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, dealing in drugs and possession of stolen property.
The units also confiscated 505 mandrax tablets, 4kg parcels of dagga and 3 small zipper bags of tik.
“Amongst others, the Overstand arrests included 9 for possessions of drugs; 2 for dealing in drugs, 5 for illegal possession of marine life and 9 wanted suspects. This unit confiscated 13kg’s of dagga, 6 mandrax tablets, 32 West Coast Rock Lobster, 35 West Coast Rock Lobster tails and 35 whole abandoned abalone,” the department said.
Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, commended the K-9 and Rural Safety Units for their continued effort.
Allen said the provincial government has made a commitment that the province’s K-9 and Rural Safety Units will be more visible throughout the festive season.
“These results are testament to their activity and effective execution. These units are demonstrating what the Western Cape Safety Plan seeks to achieve, particularly since we want our residents to live in improved and safer environments,” Allen said.
K-9 unit is a specialised group of law enforcement officers who use service dogs to perform the responsibilities of a general police officer. In addition to their usual duties, each K-9 officer is also a dog handler, meaning that they have to train and care for their canine partner. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 12/21/2023 - 12:18
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Sting operation prevents trafficking of 443 kids
Sting operation prevents trafficking of 443 children
A joint sting operation between the Border Management Authority (BMA), Home Affairs and the South African Police Service has stopped more than 40 buses travelling into South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post carrying children who are alleged to have been trafficked.
This was revealed by Commissioner of the BMA Dr Michael Masiapato during a press briefing on Sunday.
“They were able to stop and search about 42 buses trying to enter the republic and out of that we found about 443 children under the age of eight that were in those buses without any parent or any guardian. Fairly, they were being trafficked into South Africa.
“We were able to take them out of those buses. We were then able to engage with the Zimbabwean officials and we handed them back to Zimbabwe for processing back into the country,” he said.
Masiapato also revealed some of the successes that the BMA were able to achieve in their work protecting the country’s borders.
These include the interception of more than 44 000 thousand individuals attempting to illegally enter South Africa.
“We got them arrested. We got them fingerprinted, we declared them undesirable, and we got them deported on the spot. Further, about 100 452 individuals overstayed in the country. We got the hit from our movement control system when they arrived at the ports. We then declared them undesirable, and we banned them from entering South Africa for the next five years.
“About 98 150 individuals were refused entry into the country for various reasons. Some of them were criminal elements who are listed on the Interpol list for having committed different types of crimes in other jurisdictions in the world,” he said.
Other achievements by the BMA are:
- The arrest of more than 2200 people for various crimes around the ports of entry
- Detection of about 279 high value stolen vehicles as criminals tried to exit them from South Africa
- Detection and interception of some 396 blasting cartridges commonly used during cash in transit robberies
- Interception of some 641kg of dagga at eSwatini and Lesotho border
- Interception of 8.1kg of the date rape drug, Rohypnol
“This is a summary of some of the key success of the [BMA] having been realised in a short space of time. We however commit to do more and fully address the country’s perennial problem of porous borders,” Masiapato said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 12:19
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EC police commended for the arrest of robbery suspects
EC police commended for the arrest of robbery suspects
Eastern Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, has commended the efforts of a dedicated police task team who over the weekend found and arrested five robbery suspects linked to a series of cases committed in the Joe Gqabi District.
This as once the threat of house/business robberies were identified, the Acting District Commissioner of Joe Gqabi district, Brigadier Asogran Naidoo established a task team to hunt down the suspects involved.
On Saturday night and on Sunday night, the task team in Sterkspruit followed up on information received of Lesotho nationals at a house at Makhetheng who had robbed a house/shop at Thaba Lesoba (Cathberg).
The information was operationalised and as the team swooped in on them, they found five men entering the house carrying bags. Three of the five men were found to be armed with firearms. They were arrested.
On searching the bags, groceries and tobacco were found. Members also found other groceries hidden under the bed, inside cupboards and in the wardrobes.
The suspects aged between 23 and 37 are expected to be charged for various crimes, including illegal possession of firearms, possession of suspected stolen property, illegal possession of ammunition and possession of dagga.
Another suspect, linked to this group was arrested on Monday, 13 November 2023, after a shootout with a security guard during a business robbery in Sterkspruit.
The suspects are wanted on a number of cases for house/business robberies, murder and attempted murder in Palmietfontein and Sterkspruit.
Detectives are busy probing other cases where they may also possibly link these suspects. Meanwhile, the three firearms confiscated will be sent to ballistics for analysis.
Lieutenant General Mene on Sunday commended the task team for their unwavering commitment to public safety.
“Through their meticulous investigation, excellent informer network and collaboration, the team worked swiftly and tirelessly to arrest these suspects. Not only have these suspects been arrested, three firearms and suspected stolen goods were also confiscated.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to ensuring that the reign of criminals are halted while making sure that our communities are safe,” said Mene. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 10:45
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Operation Shanela efforts pay off
Operation Shanela efforts pay off
Efforts by various law enforcement agencies to curb various crimes in communities continue to yield successful outcomes with over 300 suspects having been arrested over the weekend in Gauteng.
The joint efforts comprised members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), Gauteng Traffic, the Community Policing Forum, the Department of Home Affairs and other law enforcement agencies.
During the integrated Operation Shanela on Saturday, law enforcement agencies arrested two suspects for possession of three unlicensed firearms and ammunition while executing their duties at Moleleki Extension 2. The two were arrested after law enforcement officers went to a car wash and noticed a man hiding something in one of the cars. The police immediately approached the car and upon searching it, discovered two AK47 rifles, a pistol and ammunition.
“Among the suspects arrested this weekend, 277 suspects were nabbed by detectives who were tracing suspects in the District Policing precincts during their Shanela operations conducted on Saturday, whereby 129 [suspects] were arrested for contact crime, 21 for contact related crime, five for property crime, two for tempering with essential infrastructure, five for crimes depending on police action and 34 for gender-based violence,” said police on Sunday.
Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Anna Sithole commended the efforts by the teams to reduce crime.
Meanwhile, in KwaZulu-Natal, 62 suspects were arrested for various crimes in KwaDukuza on Friday following an Operation Shanela initiative in the central business district.
Various disciplines from the KwaZulu-Natal police joined forces with multiple stakeholders to remove criminals from the streets.
The suspects were arrested for various offences such as possession of drugs, dangerous weapons, illicit cigarettes, illegal medicines as well as counterfeit goods.
A total of 36 illegal immigrants were also detained for contravention of the Immigration Act.
The police also recovered 60 heroine capsules as well as dagga and counterfeit goods with a street value of R140 000. A number of scrapyards were also searched and the police seized scaffolding equipment and a bakkie.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court today. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 10:00
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Over 100 suspects netted in Gauteng police operation
Over 100 suspects netted in Gauteng police operation
Gauteng police started Operation Safer Festive Season on a high note when they recorded arrests of more than 140 suspects and recovered rifles, including an AK-47, from a man suspected to be a kingpin of illegal mining in the West Rand.
“Police received information about a suspect who is in possession of unlicensed firearms in Bekkersdal, West Rand District. The information was operationalised on the day of Operation Safer Festive Season, 21 October 2023. Upon searching the premises, police from Crime intelligence and Bekkersdal Visible Policing found two unlicensed firearms (R5 rifle and AK47 rifle) and dagga,” said the Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement on Sunday.
The incident saw a 36-year-old suspect being arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and dealing in dagga.
Furthermore, detectives went on to trace wanted suspects and arrested 56 of them for crimes ranging from rape to fraud.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Police General Bheki Cele, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service General Fannie Masemola and Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela joined the police at a roadblock and illegal mining disruptive operation in Roodepoort.
The operation resulted in more than 85 suspects being arrested for offences that include possession of suspected stolen goods and contravening the Immigration Act.
Generators and drilling machines used by the illegal miners were seized as the police dismantled and disrupted their operation. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 08:46
586 views
Operation Shanela continues to disrupt criminal activities
Operation Shanela continues to disrupt criminal activities
Through the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Operation Shanela, at least 124 suspects and 137 daily wanted suspects were arrested for committing various crimes over the past weekend.
Operation Shanela's disruptive actions were executed in hotspot areas across the Northern Cape province which included vehicle checkpoints, stop and searches, blue light and foot patrols, compliance inspections and tracing of wanted suspects by detectives across the province.
The outstanding success includes the arrest of two males, age 28 and 36, for possession of stolen property valued at R43 000 after the Kimberley Crime Prevention Unit received information of a tuckshop selling branded goods in bulk belonging to a local supermarket.
The police in Delportshoop recovered and confiscated a stolen vehicle and arrested a 62-year-old male for theft of a motor vehicle after the police were alerted by a tracking company about a stolen vehicle that was stationary around Ulco mine.
Another two male suspects, aged 37 and 40, were arrested and charged under the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act 9/2009 sec 50 & 51 for alleged illegal possession of endangered plants on the R382 road between Steinkopf and Port Nolloth.
A white Isuzu Double Cab bakkie was stopped and searched and police confiscated ten 50kg bags containing 4485 Conophytum Bilobum plants.
Police also confiscated the Isuzu bakkie as it was allegedly utilized in the commission of a crime.
During the operation, the following items, such as alcoholic beverages, dangerous weapons, drugs including crystal meth, dagga mandrax and tik were confiscated.
A total of 56 compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, liquor outlets and premises, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were executed.
Numerous roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 25 vehicle checkpoints and eight roadblocks were conducted which resulted in 1631 vehicles stopped and searched and 4637 persons searched.
Police across the province also conducted routine visits at ATM's, business premises, National Key Points, Post Offices and tuckshops.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, congratulated all SAPS personnel and other law enforcement agencies for ensuring that those who violated the laws are confronted and dealt with decisively.
She also appreciated community structures for their role and assistance in the fight against crime. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 11:17
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