KIMBERLEY, High Police visibility within and around the ports of entries, Alexander Bay Port of entry, Vioolsdrift Port of entry, Nakop Port of entry, McCarthy’s Rust Port of entry, Rietfontein Port of entry, Middleputs Port of entry were conducted.

The Operation kicked started on Wednesday, 13 November until Saturday, 16 November 2019. During the operations, policing focus was to address Transnational Cross Border Crimes, where criminals transport stolen commodities from RSA to neighbouring countries through ports of entries. The South African Police Service in the Northern Cape led the operation in a multidisciplinary approach, joint by the department of Home Affairs (DHA), Department of Environment and Nature Conservation (DENC), Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), South African Revenue Services(SARS) and Customs.

During the operations Border patrols were conducted, vehicles and persons passed through the ports of entries were searched. Operation was stretched as far as KleinZee, Komagas and Alexander Bay to curb the widespread illegal mining.

Illegal mining implements including suspected diamond bearing gravels were confiscated, which includes twelve suspected diamond bearing gravel bags, 39 jigs, pick and twentyiIron rods.

Thirty-two undocumented persons, were arrested subsequent to be found employed as labourers in one of the farms near Alexander Bay. Drugs and dagga with an estimated street value of more than R4 000, were also confiscated, male suspect has been arrested and is expected to appear before the Port Nolloth Magistrate’s Court soon.

Source: South African Police Service