Tag Archives: Organised Crime

209 vehicles, 644 persons stopped and searched during cross-border operation

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Picture: The law enforcement officers during cross-border operations/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 December 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape in partnership with law-enforcement counterparts in Botswana, conducted joint cross-border operations along the South Africa/Botswana borderline from 27 to 30 November 2025. The operation involved various SAPS units, including Operational Response Services, Organised Crime, Stock Theft Unit, Crime Intelligence, Visible Policing, John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Operational Command Centre and Border Policing in collaboration with the South African Border Management Authority.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the primary objective of the joint operation was to combat cross-border crimes impacting both countries such as stock-theft, human trafficking, drug trafficking and other transnational offences. Litabe said during the operation, 209 vehicles and 644 persons were stopped and searched.

“Two suspects were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act and three traffic fines amounting to R2000 were issued. Operational activities further included the searching of premises in South Africa, borderline patrols and roadblocks. Compliance inspections were also conducted at tuck-shops, liquor outlets and farms.

“SAPS affirms that operations of this nature will continue throughout the festive season and beyond, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure safety and security along the border,” he said.

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A man who allegedly committed series of crimes in Hartswater, Pampierstad arrested for alleged possession of firearm

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Picture: A suspect nabbed for allegedly being in possession of a firearm/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

10 January 2024- A man (36) was arrested at Extension 9, Khuma Township, outside Stilfontein on 8 January 2025, in a joint operation by Northern Cape Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, North West Organised Crime and Potchefstroom Public Order Police (POP).

The arrest emanated from investigation, which led the Northern Cape team to the North West Province. The suspect was nabbed after allegedly being found in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said it transpired during the tracing of other suspects that three of them died during a motor vehicle accident in the early hours of Monday morning, 6 January 2025, while driving on the N12 road on their way back to Khuma after allegedly committing a business robbery in Ikageng Township, Potchefstroom.

“The reports suggest that three men died instantly, while one was seriously injured and is still admitted to hospital. The fifth suspect allegedly ran away from the accident scene, where some of the goods linked to the Ikageng business robbery, were found inside the suspects’ vehicle.

“Ensuing investigation into the matter, established that one of the deceased suspects was previously arrested for assault and malicious damage to property committed between 2015 and 2021, in Vuwani, Limpopo Province,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said in the Northern Cape, the suspects were wanted for three business robberies, two armed robberies and an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) bombing. He added that the crimes were allegedly committed in Hartswater, Warrenton and Pampierstad between October and December 2024.

“The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court today for unlawful possession of a firearm,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng and the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police from both provinces for their collaboration, which led to the arrest and exposing of the suspects, who terrorised business communities.

The Provincial Commissioners pointed out that the investigation, which linked the suspects to offences in different provinces, clearly indicates that crime has no boundaries and need collaborative efforts.

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A pangolin worth R250 000 seized by police

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Picture: A Pangolin seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 August 2024- Three suspects aged 33, 36 and 45, were arrested for allegedly being in possession of a Pangolin valued at approximately R250 000. The suspects were arrested by a team consisting of John Taolo Gaetsewe Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, the Upington Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and Kuruman Public Order Police during an intelligence-driven operation in Kuruman.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the Volkswagen Polo believed to be used in the commission of the crime, was also seized. Ehlers said the investigation continues and the suspects will appear in court soon.

“The police in the Northern Cape are relentless in their efforts to protect endangered species and will ensure that perpetrators feel the full wrath of the law,” she said.

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