GQEBERHA – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gqeberha continues to intensify its crime-fighting efforts, with Operation Prosper yielding significant successes within the Nelson Mandela Bay District.

According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, a multi-disciplinary compliance operation, Operation Prosper, was conducted yesterday, 16 April 2026, from 09:00 to 16:00 within the Korsten Business Area in Gqeberha.

“The operation brought together SAPS, the SANDF, SA Air Force, Traffic Services, Metro Police, and the Border Management Authority, demonstrating a unified approach to combat crime and enforce compliance,” she said.

Janse Van Rensburg added that the operation focused on compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers to identify suspected stolen property, execution of search warrants at identified drug premises for illegal firearms and narcotics, enforcement of municipal by-laws, traffic compliance, vehicle checkpoints, and the arrest of undocumented persons.

“Crime prevention initiatives, including stop-and-search operations and aerial surveillance through SANDF drone support, further enhanced the effectiveness of the operation,” she said.

According to SAPS, they recovered over R856,700 during the operation, which yielded the following:

• A total of 21 undocumented persons were arrested.
• Enquiries were opened into suspected stolen property, including electronic devices and accessories valued at approximately R10,000.
• Additional presumed stolen property, including laptops, televisions, cellphones, and other items, valued at approximately R50,000, was confiscated, bringing the total value of recovered and seized items to over R96,000.
• An undisclosed cash amount, suspected to be linked to criminal activity, was confiscated pending investigation.
• An enquiry was registered following the discovery of drugs at a suspected drug post, including mandrax tablets, crystal meth, and cocaine, with an estimated value of R7,000.
• Counterfeit clothing valued at approximately R675,000 was seized.
• By-law enforcement fines to the value of R5,400 and traffic fines totalling R13,300 were issued.

Janse Van Rensburg added that the Ward Councillor of Schauderville, Graham Gelderbloem, along with members of the business community in Korsten and the public, expressed their appreciation for the visible policing and enforcement efforts, highlighting the positive impact of such operations on community safety.

The Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, commended all participating law enforcement agencies for their continued commitment, coordination, and dedication in ensuring safer communities.

“SAPS reiterates its commitment to maintaining law and order and encourages communities to continue working closely with law enforcement by reporting criminal activities,” Janse Van Rensburg concluded.