Several arrests made in Bethal during Operation #SaferFestiveSeason
Police arrested suspects for illicit cigarettes, attempted bribery and possession of an unlicensed firearm during festive season operations
Two businessmen, aged 39 and 43, were arrested at different business premises, separately, for possession of illicit cigarettes during operation #SaferFestiveSeason on January 8.
The overall estimated value of the illicit cigarettes is about R93 000.
The accused made their appearance at Bethal Magistrate Court on January 9, whereby one matter was enrolled and the other not enrolled pending investigation.
The accused on the enrolled matter was granted bail of R3000, and the matter was postponed to February 25.
Furthermore, a 37-year-old Somalian man attempted to bribe the police with R1 000 for the release of the two businessmen who were arrested for possession of illicit cigarettes.
The man appeared in court the same day as the businessmen. The matter was not placed on the roll and is pending further investigation.
In a coordinated stop-and-search operation at a tavern in Kerk Street, members arrested a 41-year-old suspect for possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition.
The suspect was later released, and the matter was not enrolled and is pending further police investigation.
