Provincial Commissioner of South African Police Service in the Free State took command over the planned South African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) Operation Kutwa from 14 to 16 August 2024.

The objectives of the operation were to identify, locate, stop, arrest and bring before Courts, cross-border criminal syndicates involved in transnational organised criminal activities. Roadblocks were assembled simultaneously in Mangaung Metro on the N1 National Road South in Parkweg, North in Navalsig, the N6 National Road in Kagisanong, the N8 East in Thaba Nchu and R702 in Bloemspruit Police Station.

The operation continued in different hotspot areas to stop and search for contraband goods; stolen property such as motor vehicles/ livestock/ electrical equipment, illegal firearms, Illicit drugs and prevent trafficking in persons.

During the operation, 11 undocumented persons were arrested; contraband goods were confiscated in terms of Counterfeit Goods Act 37/97, a fine was issued for failure to register as distributor in terms of Free State Gambling and Liquor Act 6/2010 and 66 fines were issued in terms of National Road Traffic Act 93/96.

All arrested persons will appear in Court soon.

Source : South African Police Service