| SAPS multi-provincial operation cripples criminal networks across four provinces as more than 1000 are behind bars | |
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| Date Published: | 2026/03/05 |
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Media Statement
CLARENS - In a massive display of force and inter-departmental synergy, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has concluded its 4th Quarter 2025/2026 Inter-Provincial Cross-Border High Density Operation. This strategic initiative united the resources of the Free State, Northern Cape, Western Cape, North West and Eastern Cape to destabilize organized crime and secure provincial borders. The success of the operation was driven by the integration of elite SAPS Specialized Units and critical external stakeholders. The "blue wall" included Airwing, Crime Intelligence, FLASH, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Anti-Gang Unit, K9, Mounted Unit, Public Order Police (POPS), and the Rapid Rail Police, among others. External stakeholders were from the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration), BMA, SARS, PSIRA, DESTEA, Department of Health, and the Gambling Board. The intense, high-visibility operation resulted in the apprehension of 1,185 suspects across the participating provinces. The crackdown focused on contact crimes, property theft, and compliance with the Second-Hand Goods Act. Arrest Breakdown: * Contact-Related Cases: 43 arrests * Property-Related Crimes: 26 arrests * Police Action Detections: 37 arrests * Undocumented Persons: 51 processed by Immigration * Other: 10 for liquor-related offenses and 7 for possession of dangerous weapons. Through a series of roadblocks, vehicle check points (VCPs), and farm patrols, the multi-disciplinary teams maintained a suffocating pressure on illicit activities and Persons Searched 17,305, Vehicles Searched 10,942, Copper Seized (Transnet & Stakeholders) 33,000+ kg, Explosives Seized 7,073 units, Illicit Cigarettes 29,077 units, Drug Tablets 16,600, Cannabis (Dagga) 12,998 grams. The Endangered Species Unit also recorded significant successes, rescuing 818 abalone pieces, 286 crayfish/lobsters, and 1,857 crayfish tails, effectively disrupting the illegal poaching trade. Beyond arrests, the operation focused on preventative policing. Teams visited 255 ATMs, conducted 105 farm patrols, and inspected 23 scrap metal dealers for compliance. Large quantities of counterfeit goods, including tobacco, rolling paper, and household items like vaseline and shoe polish, were removed from the streets. Furthermore, a variety of dangerous weapons including knives, pangas, and knobkirries were confiscated to ensure the safety of our communities.
This 4th Quarter operation sends a clear message to criminal syndicates: there is no sanctuary across provincial borders. The SAPS remains committed to sustaining these high-density operations to dismantle organized crime structures and protect the citizens of South Africa.
Enquiries:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService
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