SARAH BAARTMAN DISTRICT – Three suspects were arrested and drugs with a combined estimated street value of R30,000 were confiscated from KwaNomzamo during search warrant operations in Humansdorp on 13 June, forming part of a week-long crackdown by Sarah Baartman District police that resulted in the arrest of 227 suspects across 104 operations between 8 and 14 June.
According to police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy, the 227 suspects were arrested for various crimes, including murder, immigration offences, and drug dealing.
He said that crime intelligence-led operations involving the Sarah Baartman District Intervention Team and the South African National Defence Force led to the arrest of 26 suspects.
McCarthy said that three of these individuals were taken into custody during the execution of search warrants in Humansdorp on 13 June.
“Drugs confiscated and removed from the streets of KwaNomzamo in Humansdorp include mandrax, tik, cocaine, and dagga, with a combined estimated street value of approximately R30,000,” said McCarthy.
He said that successfully executed tracing operations resulted in the arrest of 148 suspects for various crimes.
“Tactically focused combat operations secured a further 53 arrests. Fines totalling R27,000 were issued during compliance inspections conducted across the district,” said McCarthy.
He said that the suspects are due to appear before various magistrates’ courts soon.
In addition to physical arrests, McCarthy said social crime prevention operations focused on addressing the underlying mindsets that allow crime to flourish.
He said that during a community engagement at Andrew Moyakhe High School in Makhanda on 10 June, the Junior Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Sanelisiwe Mbete, took time from her busy schedule to address learners on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as gender-based violence (GBV).
Acting Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Brigadier Abdoerahgmaan Humphries, praised the leadership team (station, Vispol, detective, and unit commanders) of the Sarah Baartman District for executing successful, high-impact operations.
He noted that the targeted operations have directly resulted in a measurable drop in crime.
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