TONGA – A large-scale operation aimed to address the area’s biggest problem, namely the smuggling of goods and vehicles across the South African, Mozambican and Swaziland borders, by closing all the exits, this weekend.
Operation Thunderstorm was led by Maj Gen Cynthia Philson and conducted together with the South African National Defence Force, Department of Home Affairs, Eskom, environmental health, border policing, the air wing, K9 unit, flying squad, crime intelligence, vehicle identification and safeguarding unit, corporate investigation services and visible policing members.
Authorities also hoped to minimise the number of reported hijacking cases and other crime prevalent in the area. A number of taverns were also raided.
In Tonga, a suspect was arrested for possession of dagga, another for a dangerous weapon and one for stolen property. Fifteen people were arrested for contravening the Liquor Act, while four were nabbed for drunk driving.
One was arrested for contravening the Road Traffic Act. Three other suspects were apprehended for violating the Health Act and one illegal immigrant was arrested.
In Malalane, four people were apprehended for contravening the Liquor Act, one for violating the Road Traffic Act and one for urinating in public.
A total of 21 people were arrested in Komatipoort. Two suspects were taken in for possession of morphine, one for counterfeit goods and one for possession of a stolen vehicle. Six illegal immigrants were arrested, three suspects for violating the Liquor Act, one person was caught driving while drunk and seven others were apprehended for contravening the Road Traffic Act.
In Low’s Creek, three suspects were arrested for violating the Liquor Act.
Three people were apprehended in Schoemansdal: two for possession of dagga and one for contravening the Road Traffic Act.
In Matsulu, one person was arrested for possession of dagga and four for violating the Liquor Act, and in Kaapmuiden one person was arrested for contravening the Road Traffic Act and another for the Liquor Act.
Six suspects were also arrested for violating the Customs and Excise Act (smuggling). This operation also aided the cluster’s efforts to increase police visibility and Philson stated it was an ongoing activity.
She warned communities to check the expiry date of products when buying them and not to purchase goods they suspect are stolen. Community members are also urged to report any criminal activity to their nearest police station.
