A clamp down on drug and liquor outlets by various units of the police yielded positive results with the confiscation of an unlicensed firearm, drugs with an estimated street value of R50 000-00 and a large quantity of liquor during focused operations in the Southern Cape over the past weekend.
On Saturday, 11 September 2021 members attached to the Eden Cluster Crime Combatting Team, Public Order Police, Rural Flying Squad, K9 and Conville Crime Prevention Unit operationalised information about illicit activities at a house. The team, armed with a search warrant, pounced on the premises at Niewoudt Street, Rosemore (George). A search of the premises ensued which led to the discovery of a Rossi Revolver, three rounds of ammunition, 856 Mandrax Tablets and 9 half Mandrax tablets. Police arrested a 40-year-old suspect on charges of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as a charge of dealing in drugs.
Furthermore, Swellendam police members deployed to close down illegal liquor outlets confiscated a large quantity of liquor when they embarked on operations at two premises.
On Thursday, 09 September 2021 at about 20:00 the members responded to information about illegal liquor activities at a premises Railton, Swellendam. Armed with a search warrant they proceeded with a search of the premises. The search resulted in the confiscation of 1023 litres of liquor. The police opened a case of selling of liquor without a licence as well as contravention of the Disaster Management Act Regulations. This matter forms part of an ongoing police probe. The suspect is yet to be arrested.
Meanwhile, the following day 10 September 2021 the same team proceeded with an operation at a premises at Impofu Street, Swellendam after information was received from the public. This operation resulted in the confiscation of 144 litres of liquor and the arrest of a 33-year-old suspect. He is facing a charge of selling of liquor without a licence.
Both suspects remain in custody. They are expected to appear in the respective courts on Monday, 13 September 2021 on mentioned charges.
Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, Western Cape Police Commissioner, applauded these forces for their efforts to remove unlicensed firearms, ammunition and drugs from the streets. He said, “These confiscations are in line with policing priorities to rid communities of firearms and drugs which threaten the safety of communities. The strategic focus in these areas during crime fighting efforts forms part of the police’s approach to ensure that the communities are and feel safe”.
Source: South African Police Service