Police operations in Frances Baard District lead to over 70 arrests
A series of high-density police operations across the Frances Baard District has resulted in the arrest of more than 70 individuals, including wanted suspects and undocumented immigrants.
The operations, conducted on Friday, were led by Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Keagekae Besnaar, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, and Acting District Commander Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana.
Police confirmed that the coordinated efforts targeted Kimberley, Barkly West, Delportshoop, Vaalharts, and Modderrivier, with support from specialised SAPS units, the SAPS Air Wing, the Department of Home Affairs’ Immigration Services, and traffic authorities from both the Northern Cape Provincial Government and the Sol Plaatje Municipality.
The focus of the operation was to curb drug trafficking, substance abuse, illicit metals and other contraband often linked to violent crimes.
According to SAPS, detectives executed tracing operations that led to the arrest of 55 wanted suspects.
The crimes ranged from murder, attempted murder and assault to burglary, theft, stock theft, drug possession and contraventions of the Domestic Violence Act.
In addition, 14 undocumented immigrants were detained for violating the Immigration Act. One employer was fined R20 000 for hiring undocumented workers.
Numerous roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints were also set up across major routes, with 539 vehicles and 1,011 individuals stopped and searched. Police distributed safety pamphlets during the stops.
Other successes included the arrest of a suspect for tampering with essential infrastructure, the seizure of four kilograms of copper cables, the confiscation of dagga, and the closure of several unlicensed liquor outlets where significant quantities of alcohol were seized.
Traffic officials issued 89 fines, totalling R59,400, for violations of the Road Traffic Management Act, some of which required court appearances.
Major General Besnaar praised the collaboration between SAPS and partner agencies, noting that the operation formed part of broader efforts to intensify policing ahead of the Festive Season.
“SAPS will continue to act decisively to combat contact crimes and clamp down on unregulated activities in the Frances Baard District,” he said.
IOL