Five undocumented foreign nationals and four wanted suspects were arrested during Operation Basadi in Tonga on September 4, while counterfeit and illicit goods worth millions of rand were confiscated.

Arrests made

The five foreign nationals, three Mozambicans and two Ethiopians, were arrested for contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act.

Four wanted suspects were also arrested through Crime Intelligence and other tracing mechanisms.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said the multidisciplinary operation involved SAPS, SARS Customs and other law enforcement agencies.

Millions in goods seized

Police confiscated 910 bags of suspected coal, each weighing 25kg and valued at about R227 500, as well as 18 369 counterfeit and illicit items, including cigarettes, condoms, tablets, toothpaste and ballpoint pens.
Goods worth approximately R750 000 were also seized during food safety inspections at businesses in Tonga and Block B.

Businesses and traffic targeted

Two businesses were closed for non-compliance, while 21 traffic fines were issued.
Police searched 304 people and 96 vehicles, raided 56 shops, and conducted visits to a mall, three plazas and a taxi rank.
The operation focused on business compliance, counterfeit and expired goods, cash security and business safety.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Tonga Magistrate’s Court soon.