FREE STATE - During the early hours of Sunday, 05 June 2022 members of the South African Police Service and South African National Defense Force manned a roadblock at the R702/ R26 crossing, which is unguarded part of the border in Wepener area, southern part of Free State.

At about 00:45 the convoy of thirteen (13) Toyota Quantums, a Grey Toyota Regious, Red Volkswagen Golf and Grey BMW 523i approached the roadblock and the first Toyota Quantum failed to stop as indicated by the official on the roadblock. Shots were fired from the minibus and the officials on the roadblock returned fire. One male was slightly injured during the cross-fire and rushed to the hospital in Bloemfontein.

Eventually all vehicles were stopped and searched. One-hundred-and-fifty-eight (158) passengers were found to be traveling into the Republic of South Africa without proper documents allowing them to be in the country. Two firearm with a magazine loaded with rounds were found hidden inside the BMW sedan.

Five (5) males with ages ranging from 24 to 39 occupying the BMW were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The BMW registration number plates and license disc were also not corresponding. The total number of one-hundred-and-fifty-eight (158) passengers were arrested as illegal immigrants.

The five (5) suspects arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as possession of presumably stolen property will appear in Wepener Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 07 June 2022.

“We commend joint efforts by the SAPS and South African National Defence Force, in making sure that they stop this lawlessness which was about to take place,” said the Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Baile Motswenyane, “As law enforcement agencies we will never allow a situation where people want to do as they like and not obey our laws.” Concluded the Provincial Commissioner.

Source: South African Police Service