FS police actions to continue in all districts ahead of planned national shutdown
Drug suspects and undocumented foreign nationals arrested during Free State June 30 shutdown operations.
Free State police arrested several suspects on drug-related charges and immigration offences during large-scale law enforcement operations conducted ahead of the anticipated June 30 national shutdown.
The operations followed the State of Readiness parade inspection by Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale on Sunday. Thereafter, Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Solomon Lesia led the implementation of the June 30 Shutdown Operation across the Bloemfontein Central Business District.
The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJoints) operation brought together members from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority, the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Mangaung Metro Municipality Law Enforcement, private security companies and other stakeholders.
During the operation, police arrested a 30-year-old man after he was allegedly found in possession of 38 grams of crystal meth. A 28-year-old suspect was also arrested after officers allegedly discovered Mandrax tablets in his possession.
Two additional suspects, aged 28 and 34, were arrested for allegedly possessing 61 grams of the drug known as CAT
Police also arrested 13 people for various alleged contraventions of the Immigration Act during the operation.
Deputy Minister Mathale, accompanied by members of the Free State SAPS Provincial Management, visited a roadblock on the N8 National Road in the Navalsig policing precinct. During the roadblock, officers arrested a motorist for allegedly driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance.
Traffic officials also issued fines for several offences under the National Road Traffic Act, including driving without a valid driver’s licence, failing to licence a motor vehicle, and failing to produce a valid driver’s licence.
A further three people were arrested for alleged contraventions of the Immigration Act during the roadblock operation.
Police said June 30 Shutdown Operation policing actions will continue across all five districts of the Free State to ensure public safety and maintain law and order.
