Byline: Levhuwani Matumba

09 September 2022

Mpumalanga police responded to the lawlessness behavior by setting up a high-density operation in the three districts, Gert Sibande, Ehlanzeni and Nkangal between 07 and 08 September 2022.

As a result, 80 suspects were nabbed for various charges including dealing in drugs, possession of suspected drugs, domestic violence (violation of the protection order), violation of the Immigration Act, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of suspected stolen properties, illegal mining, car-hijacking, burglary business and warrants for their arrest were issued against them.

The focus was mainly on major roads as well as CBD areas in the province whereby stops and searches were conducted.

The operations were also extended to busy places in all districts of the province. Those who violated the National Road Traffic Act were not spared as 38 motorists were issued fines.

A total of 13 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of drugs and dagga at Emzinoni and R2 800 was seized during their arrest as part of the investigation.

One of the highlights was the arrest of a 32-year-old foreign national who was nabbed in Sheepmoor next to Ermelo with 59 bags of dagga weighing 320 kilograms and a vehicle was also confiscated. During these activities where the astute members were tackling illegal mining at Pilgrim’s Rest, a number of items were found abandoned which include, 30 pieces of chains, 11 generators and 14 motors.

Two suspects were also arrested following warrants of arrest issued against them. The cases against all arrested suspects are before various courts across Gert Sibande District facing the said charges.

The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela indicated that the public should expect such operations to be conducted throughout the province. “We believe that with these efforts we will manage to disrupt and intercept criminal activities and by so doing, we will bring down the levels of crime,” said the General.