A total of 47 suspects were arrested during the first week of Operation Tsipa, a countrywide crime prevention operation which already proofed to be very successful in the Northern Province.

The operation is a combined effort between the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force (including the Air Force and Commando’s) and the provincial Traffic Department.

The operation during the first week mainly consisted out of roadblocks which were held throughout the province, with a special crime prevention operation held in the Bolobedu area over the weekend. The Air Force assisted with air support for the effective utilisation of static road blocks.

In total, 30 suspects were arrested on charges varying from the possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, possession of dagga, housebreaking and theft, illegal possession of fire-arms, theft of cell-phone, intimidation, public violence and operating taxi’s without permits.

The tracing of wanted suspects resulted in the successful arrest of 17 suspects. They were wanted on serious crimes such as murder, armed robbery and rape, as well as assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm. A total of 331 illegal immigrants were also arrested.

During the operation, twelve stolen vehicles were recovered, as well as four fire-arms and rounds of ammunition.

In total 83 static and mobile road blocks were held, 20 576 vehicles were searched and 72 341 persons were searched. Two people were arrested for driving a motor vehicle without a license, while 1 255 summonses for traffic related offences were issued. Twenty two taxi’s which were operating illegally were impounded.

A field of dagga spotted during an aerial operation was destroyed. The value of the dagga is estimated at R1,2 million.