The police in the Free State have launched a large-scale interprovincial operation aimed at tackling cross-border crime and enhancing community safety.
The initiative at the beginning of March, centred in the town of Clarens, ran simultaneously across multiple provinces to disrupt the illegal movement of goods and people.
The operation brought together a broad range of SAPS units, including the Airwing, Crime Intelligence, FLASH, Flying Squad, Highway Patrol, Mounted unit, K9 unit, Public Order Policing, Tactical Response Teams, the Anti-Gang unit and Visible Policing. External partners also collaborated, including Immigration (Home Affairs), DESTEA, the Department of Health, SARS, the Border Management Authority, Traffic, and the Gambling Board.
The operation focused heavily on the Thabo Mofutsanyana District, resulting in 28 arrests for crimes directly impacting local safety and the economy. Among those detained were 7 stock thieves, 14 undocumented persons, 3 drug offenders and 2 individuals found with stolen goods in their possession.
Traffic officers also issued fines to motorists failing to comply with the law.
In addition to arrests, authorities seized substantial quantities of illegal substances, including crystal meth and Mandrax. More than 147 000ml of liquor were confiscated from an unlicensed dealer, while 16 fines were issued to outlets found to be in breach of the Liquor Act.
High-priority inspections were also conducted at second-hand goods shops and firearm dealers to ensure full compliance with regulations.
SAPS officials emphasised that these interprovincial operations form a key part of their strategy to close gaps exploited by criminal syndicates. The police say, by synchronising efforts across provincial borders, the service aims to strengthen law enforcement, protect public assets, and ensure safer communities.
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