‘Operation Identity’ nets 22 arrests, R160,000 in seized goods in Gqeberha

Notable successes were achieved during a joint coordinated operation conducted under Operation Identity yesterday, 12 May.

The operation was carried out by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gelvandale, together with other SAPS units, the Municipal Police, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Department of Immigration.

According to SAPS spokesperson Captain André Beetge, the operation focused primarily on the Korsten business area in Gqeberha.

The operation comprised several strategic interventions, including:

• Compliance inspections of second-hand goods dealers to identify and recover suspected stolen property, such as televisions, laptops, and mobile phones.
• Execution of search warrants at identified drug outlets, targeting the seizure of illegal firearms and narcotics.
• Enforcement of municipal by-laws and traffic regulations, including the issuing of fines for non-compliance.
• Roadblocks aimed at detecting the possession of stolen property, illegal firearms, and drugs.
• Arrest of undocumented individuals.
• Crime prevention activities, including stop-and-search operations of vehicles and pedestrians.

Beetge added that these coordinated efforts “resulted in the arrest of 22 undocumented individuals”.

He added that law enforcement officials also issued fines totalling R27,000 for 38 traffic violations.

“Authorities confiscated counterfeit goods valued at approximately R160,500 as well as found property (fibre cables) valued at about R1,170,” Beetge said.

As part of efforts to enhance visibility and community safety, he said that officers conducted high-visibility patrols and visits to key locations such as ATMs, banks, taxi ranks, shopping centres, schools, and identified crime hotspots.

“The South African Police Service remains committed to strengthening operations under Operation Identity to combat crime, enforce the law, and ensure the safety and security of all communities,” Beetge concluded.

ALSO READ: Medicine among counterfeit goods worth R900,000 seized