Eastern Cape police breaking the spine of criminal syndicates as drugs worth over R1 million seized through high-density operations

In an effort to reduce all categories of crimes, police operations across the Eastern Cape focused on high-density actions to prevent the occurrence of serious crimes. Police executed 79 453 actions, which resulted in 1 000 suspects nabbed between 12 and 18 August 2024

The operations that were conducted in the eight (08) districts of the Eastern Cape in partnership with pertinent stakeholders recorded positive results. A total of 2 144 registered liquor outlets were visited during liquor compliance inspections, and with 12 651 informal business sites visited (spaza shops) during inspections that were conducted with several municipalities (Environmental Heath). During a single operation in Humewood, Gqeberha, police seized 1 106 abalone units. A total of 61 motorists were arrested for drunk driving, and 27 of them were arrested in the Nelson Mandela District.

Fifty-six unregistered foreign nationals (illegal immigrants) were arrested, and with Nelson Mandela and Alfred Nzo districts registering the most arrests, 18 and 17 respectively. A total 996 suspects were arrested in the province for crimes ranging from murder to possession of illicit drugs, and with four (04) additional wanted suspects, who were nabbed during tracing operations. Illicit drugs valued over R1 000 000.00 (one million rands) were confiscated with 181 suspects nabbed, and 48 of those detained for dealing charges.

Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene averred, “Our concerted efforts in combating crime are indeed breaking the spine of criminal syndicates, especially in crimes such as cash-in-transit robberies, trading in illicit drugs and abalone. We will continue to ensure high density visibility of foot soldiers,” added Lt Gen Mene.