The Premier of Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu, MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jacky Macie, and Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nkankoane Apaphia Modise led a multidisciplinary, high-density operation in Mbombela on Friday, September 18.

The operation, which also included the Executive Mayor of the City of Mbombela, Councillor Sibongile Makhushe, brought together SAPS, Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement, Home Affairs Immigration, SARS, Correctional Services, the City of Mbombela, private security and the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator.

According to police, the operation yielded significant successes:

• Illicit liquor worth more than R2 million confiscated.
• Counterfeit goods worth more than R100 000 confiscated.
• Three suspects arrested for dealing in dagga with an estimated street value of R50 000.
• Three vehicles impounded for being unroadworthy.
• Six parolees who had absconded traced and arrested by officials from the Department of Correctional Services.
• Six shops found operating without Certificates of Acceptability.
• Six undocumented persons arrested for the contravention of the Immigration Act.
• Two unlicensed liquor outlets closed down.
• 49 non-compliance notices issued by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA).

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Modise said the SAPS in Mpumalanga will continue to conduct such operations across the province.

“This multidisciplinary, high-density operation demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. Through integrated operations, we will continue to squeeze the space for criminals and enforce compliance with the law,” said Modise.

Premier Ndlovu commended the team under the command of the Provincial Commissioner for the well-coordinated operation.

Macie said anyone who breaks the law must be brought to book and be dealt with decisively.