As a result of Operation Vala Konke’s accomplishments across the province, many suspects are scheduled to appear in Northern Cape Magistrates Courts on drug-related charges.
The police spokesman, Captain Olebogeng Tawana, said that crystal meth, dagga, and mandrax tablets were seized during the arrests.
“On Thursday… two male suspects were arrested by members of the ZF Mgcawu District Task Team, K9 Unit, Paballelo Visible Policing and Upington Border Police… in possession of dagga weighing 6.25kg, with an estimated street value of R156 250.
“Police… in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District pounced on crystal meth with an estimated street value of R17 100, including copper cables weighing 4kg, resulting in the detention of the suspects. Another suspect was found in possession of dagga with an estimated street value of R2 300 in Mapoteng village near Mothibistad.
“[In Kathu], a 26-year-old suspect is behind bars subsequent to being found in possession of suspected stolen property, which included bicycles, laptops, a television set, computer monitors, an I-pad, shoes, a hammer and crystal meth.
“A joint operation by members of Marydale and Prieska Visible Policing yielded positive results when they arrested a 29-year-old suspect for dealing in drugs. The suspect was found on his premises in possession of crystal meth with an estimated street value of more than R22 000,” he said.
Tawana stated that 24 other suspects were apprehended on different other counts during daily operations in the Pixly Ka Seme District of the province.
“These suspects have been evading arrest and failed to appear before various courts, as warned by the Magistrates Courts. They are facing different charges ranging from murder, attempted murder, theft, malicious damage to property, rape, assault to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery and contravention of protection order,” he said.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal police have apprehended three suspects after a heist in the core business area of Durban.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a police spokesperson, said that members of the Vigilant Tactical Response Team (TRT) nabbed the suspects in the act during regular patrols.
“Four armed men are reported to have stormed into a shop and allegedly demanded money, cigarettes and cell phones. One suspect reportedly left the shop with the robbed items, and the other three remained behind and continued ransacking the shop.
“At that point, the TRT members who were patrolling the area noticed what was happening and acted swiftly. The three suspects were duly arrested and three firearms were found in their possession. No shots were fired and no injuries were reported. The search for the outstanding suspect is underway,” Netshiunda said.