Picture: SANDF members along with Botswana Police during patrol/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
14 September 2026 — The police in the Northern Cape in partnership with the Botswana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies, has intensified operations aimed at curbing cross-border crime along the RSA/Botswana border. The joint operation, running from 13 to 16 September 2026, focuses on disrupting stock theft, the movement of stolen vehicles, illicit firearms and ammunition, drug-related offences and the movement of undocumented persons.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said the operation involves SAPS units including Border Policing, Crime Intelligence, Visible Policing, Public Order Policing, the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit and the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit. Gamieldien said the operation is supported by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Border Management Authority (BMA), SANParks and SARS Customs.
“The operation has already recorded several successes in the Van Zylsrus, Witdraai and Severn policing areas. The joint operation demonstrates the importance of integrated law enforcement and close cooperation between South African and Botswana authorities in addressing criminal activities along our shared border.
“Two men were arrested for allegedly dealing in dagga in Witdraai and Severn. Police seized dagga with a combined estimated street value of approximately R5 400, as well as cash believed to be the proceeds of illicit drug sales,” she said.
Gamieldien further said authorities also issued eight traffic fines worth R4 100 for various violations, while three undocumented persons were detained for contravening immigration legislation. She added that four Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) resulted in 410 vehicles and 839 people being searched, while four border patrols were conducted to increase police visibility and detect illegal activities.
“During patrols between the Gemsbok Port of Entry and Middelputs Port of Entry, officials discovered damage to sections of the border fence. Although the fence had reportedly been repaired by BMA officials before the operation, patrol teams found that wires had again been untied and broken at several points.
“The officials also observed clear truck tracks crossing between Botswana and South Africa. The information was handed over to the Botswana Police Service for further investigation, as the vehicle and people allegedly involved are believed to be Botswana nationals,” said Gamieldien.
She said further damage was discovered in sections of the fence concealed from the main road. Gamieldien said authorities are investigating the circumstances, including the possibility of livestock smuggling, particularly amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease restrictions affecting livestock movement, slaughtering and trade in Botswana.
She urged communities living along the border to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. Gamieldien said they are appealing to border communities to report suspicious movements and activities, especially the illegal movement of livestock, vehicles, firearms, drugs and undocumented persons.
“Community cooperation remains critical in preventing and disrupting cross-border crime. Compliance inspections were also conducted at five tuckshops, eight liquor stores, nine farms, three taverns and one shebeen.
“The inspections form part of efforts to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and identify activities that may facilitate criminality in border communities. The SAPS Northern Cape and its law enforcement partners will continue conducting patrols and monitoring vulnerable sections of the border to prevent the illegal movement of people, livestock, vehicles and other illicit commodities,” she said.
The Guardian 