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In a significant move to combat criminal activities, the Police in Limpopo launched Operation Vala Umgodi on Friday, March 22, 2024. This operation, focusing on the Beitbridge Port of Entry and N1 Corridor, aimed to crack down on illegal activities in these areas.
A collaborative effort involving various law enforcement agencies, including the Division Visible Policing and Operations Border Policing, SAPS Limpopo Police Emergency Service, K9 and Mounted Unit, Limpopo Provincial and Musina Municipal Traffic Department, South African Revenue Service, Cross Border Traffic, SAPS Musina, and Beitbridge Border Police, worked together to ensure the success of the operation.
Major General Samuel Manala, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, praised the operation for its significant impact on reducing crime in Limpopo, particularly around border policing stations like Musina SAPS.
#sapsLIM #SAPS in Limpopo through Operation Vala Umgodi maintained heightened #PoliceVisibility to fight the scourge of #IllegalMining and smuggling of persons on Friday, 22/03, focusing on the Beitbridge Port of Entry and N1 Corridor. Multiple arrests. ME… pic.twitter.com/Dh2cMbOzUb
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 25, 2024
Several noteworthy incidents occurred during the operation, including the spotting of a drone near vulnerable segments of the border, often used for transporting illicit cigarettes. Additionally, a step ladder at an illegal crossing point was destroyed, a rope connecting a ferry between South Africa and Zimbabwe was cut and damaged, and a makeshift dwelling place used by drug addicts was demolished.
As part of the operation, a 31-year-old male suspect was arrested for contravening the Immigration Act. He was apprehended on the N1 outside Musina while driving a white Toyota Quantum minibus, ferrying undocumented persons from Zimbabwe to Gauteng province in South Africa.
A total of 23 undocumented persons were arrested within a ten-kilometer radius of the border. They were processed by Immigration Officers from the Department of Home Affairs for direct deportation back to their countries of origin.
Major General Manala urged all law enforcement members to be true ambassadors of their offices and work together to fight crime. He emphasized the importance of protecting the country and its citizens, as well as ensuring the safety of tourists visiting South Africa.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate's Court in due course. reportd by SAPS
