GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT – Police members embarked on midweek crime combating operations which landed numerous suspects behind bars and led to the confiscation of a firearm, ammunition and drugs. These operations which commenced on Monday, 03 October 2022, focused on operations against drug outlets and stop and search operations in crime ridden areas.

On Monday, Garden Route District Crime Combating Team members conducted vehicle patrols in Asla Park, Kwanonqaba (Mossel Bay) when they spotted a man who acted suspicious. When approached they proceeded with a search and found 372 mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R18 000 in his possession. The members confiscated the drugs and arrested the 27-year-old suspect on a charge of Illegal possession of drugs.

The same team proceeded with similar operations in Knysna on Tuesday, 04 October 2022 where they arrested 11 suspects after small quantities of drugs were found in their possession. Police confiscated 24 mandrax tablets and small quantity of tik found in possession of the suspects during these arrests.

All those arrested has already made court appearances in the mentioned towns during the week.

In the meantime, on 05 October 2022 at about 12:00, Kwanonqaba Visible Policing Unit members followed up information about a possible unlicensed firearm when they search two suspects who were brought to the police station by an employer. Upon searching them, members found a revolver as well as 3 rounds of ammunition. The duo aged 19 and 45 remains in police custody. They are scheduled to appear in the Mossel Bay Magistrates’ court on Friday, 07 October 2022, on charges of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The Garden Route District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, lauded the members for their vigilance to remove drugs and unlicensed firearms from the street as it contributes to serious and violent crimes in this region.

Source: South African Police Service