KIMBERLEY – The Northern Cape multi-disciplinary approach take down operation dubbed Operation Phinda Mzala yielded much anticipated results. Operation Phinda Mzala an Intelligence led operation, was simultaneously terminated in the John Taolo Gaetsewe and Frances Baard clusters. In the early hours on Friday, 27 September 2019 the Northern Cape SAPS team comprised with Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP), Detectives, Flying Squad, Highway Patrol, Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) and Corporate Communication infiltrated houses of the underworld operatives in Kathu, Dingleton, Delportshoop and Roodepan.
During Operation Phinda Mzala, a Search and Seizure warrants were issued on all identified premises in both clusters.
In Rooibok Street, Kathu a 47-year-old man was caught with his pants down, when we searched and confiscated three reported stolen vehicles, VW Amarok bakkie, VW Polo TSI and Bavaria Motor Works (BMW M3). Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit members established that identification marks on all three vehicles were tempered with. Investigations revealed that both VW Amarok bakkie and VW Polo TSI, were reported stolen in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
The suspect was also found in possession of a .303 hunting rifle, with filled-off serial number and .303 ammunitions, cartridges and 9mm cartridges.
A KIA K2700 Pickup was also confiscated in a premises at Dingleton, after it was observed that it had false license disc.
A search and seizure was conducted on a premises in Delportshoop, a 43-year-old suspect was arrested. He is facing criminal charges ranging from, illegal possession of ammunition, contravention of section 90 read with 120(1)(a) of firearms control Act 60 of 2000. The suspect was also charged with the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act 9 of 2009 Section 12 (2) (c), after found in possession of a Blue Ape and a Red Tail Boa Snake (Exotic Animal).
In Roodepan a search and seizure warrant was issued for two premises; at these premises 13 persons were searched, including vehicles. A search and seizure was conducted on a livestock Post in Roodepan. During investigation on a livestock post it was established that the owner contravened the Animal Identification Act 6/2002 subsection 7 (1) (b). The owner failed to brand mark and to tattoo livestock according to the prescripts. He was issued with a fine.
The suspects are expected to appear before Kathu, Barkly West and Kimberley Magistrate’s Courts on Monday, 30 September 2019, respectively.
The Cluster Commander of the John Taolo Gaetsewe, Major General Johan Bean, who was the overall Commander of the Operation applauded the Northern Cape SAPS team for their involved during the operation. Members displayed high level of discipline and professionalism, I want to appreciate members for dedicating their lives to unearth underworld operatives in our society he said.
Source: South African Police Service