By AGISANANG SCUFF
25 August 2025 – A multi-disciplinary Inter-Provincial Cross-Border Operation involving the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Free State was executed simultaneously from 19 to 21 August 2025. The focus areas included drug-related offences, the proliferation of firearms, illicit mining, tracing of wanted suspects, and combating contact crimes.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the operation delivered significant results with 116 suspects arrested across the Frances Baard, Namakwa and Pixley Ka Seme Districts. Kock said numerous liquor outlets were inspected for compliance, while several unlicensed premises were closed.
“High-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints and roadblocks saw 319 vehicles and 8 345 persons stopped and searched across the province. Several wanted suspects were among those arrested.
“One of the most notable successes occurred in Colesberg on 20 August 2025, when SAPS members, supported by SARS Customs and SAPS Crime Intelligence, confiscated illicit cigarettes and a truck collectively valued at approximately R7.5 million,” he said.
Kock said in a separate incident, the police at the Colesberg weighbridge, discovered suspected stolen goods, including perfumes, counterfeit clothing and cell phones with erased serial numbers worth approximately R50 000 on 21Augiust 2025. He further said a suspect was arrested and the vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime, a maroon VW Polo, was seized.
“During the course of the operation, police also confiscated counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, firearms and ammunition, alcoholic beverages, drugs and cash,” added Kock.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended all four provinces, relevant departments and law enforcement agencies for their coordinated efforts. Otola extended her gratitude to Community Police Forums (CPFs) and the public for their continued support in the fight against crime.
“The collective efforts of law enforcement and our communities remain key in curbing and eradicating criminal activities across our provinces,” she said.
The Guardian 