Police task team deployed to northern KZN to clamp down on cross-border criminality makes inroads

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the National Commissioner

EMANGUZI - The task team deployed by the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola to clamp down on cross-border crime in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal is registering commendable progress with the arrest of 59 suspects since its deployment three months ago. The task team made up of specialised units and organised crime detectives from the police's headquarters in Pretoria were deployed to the area in March this year, following a community engagement with the leadership of the SAPS led by Minister Bheki Cele and the National Commissioner.

Subsequent to the engagement, the Police Ministry and SAPS top management met with their Mozambican counterparts in Cape Town to discuss and map a way forward to strengthen cross-border operations in a bid to disrupt and dismantle crime along the borderline affecting both South Africa and Mozambique.

Since then, the multi-disciplinary team has been intensifying operations to disrupt criminal groupings involved in organised crime affecting the area:

- 51 750 persons as well as 27 663 vehicles have been searched.
- 40 cases are under investigation with 59 arrests.
- 26 vehicles and 18 firearms have since been recovered.

Amongst those arrested is a notorious criminal who has been on the police radar on suspicion of hijacking SUV's and LDV's. These vehicles would then be smuggled across the border to Mozambique.

This accused is still in custody.

The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola says significant progress is being made to ensure that communities in and around Emanguzi are and feel safe; and that cross border crimes especially smuggling of vehicles are eradicated.

Other items seized by the team include drugs and counterfeit goods.

The task team continues to intensify its crime combatting operations to ensure the safety and security of all people in Emanguzi and surrounding communities.

Ends

Enquiries:
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe
082 040 8808

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