Limpopo police have seized dagga worth an estimated R525,000 and arrested 62 undocumented foreign nationals during a multidisciplinary law enforcement operation in Musina.
The operation, dubbed Operation Retshepeng, was conducted in the Musina policing area on Friday and resulted in several arrests and enforcement actions, according to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
Ledwaba said one woman was arrested for allegedly dealing in dagga, while two suspects were arrested for allegedly selling liquor without a licence.
Five others were arrested for contravening the Liquor Act, while one person was arrested for allegedly contravening the Immigration Act by overstaying in the country.
Two suspects were also arrested for allegedly selling expired goods.
Police confiscated 11 black plastic bags containing dagga with an estimated value of R525,000, as well as two scales, a roll of sellotape and a cellphone.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of 48 alcohol products, four beverage crates, 15 soft drinks, 42 bottles of dishwasher liquid, two skincare products, two baby powders, two body creams, three hair products and 96 cleaning products.
Police also confiscated a 2kg tin of beans and eight packs of Log Instant Yeast, each containing 48 packets.
Undocumented foreigners arrested
Ledwaba said the operation resulted in the arrest of 62 undocumented foreign nationals as authorities stepped up enforcement of immigration laws in the Musina policing area.
Traffic authorities issued 21 summonses and executed 27 warrants for traffic offences.
Two maxi-taxis were also impounded for allegedly operating without valid permits.
The operation brought together the South African Police Service, Border Management Authority, South African National Defence Force, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Trade and Labour, Musina Local Municipality, traffic police and other law enforcement agencies.
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba, newly appointed MEC for Transport and Community Safety Nakedi Kekana and provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers participated in the operation.
Ramathuba calls for greater accountability
During the parade, Ramathuba called on the different agencies involved in the operation to take ownership of their responsibilities.
She emphasised that “when one part of the system fails, the entire chain is affected”.
Ramathuba also urged law enforcement officials and other role-players to combat crime with integrity and diligence, while working to restore public confidence through visible policing, accountable governance and effective service delivery.
Operation Retshepeng is aimed at strengthening law enforcement, enforcing immigration laws and ensuring compliance with applicable legislation.
Police vow to maintain joint operations
Scheepers welcomed the outcome of the operation and highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies and other government stakeholders.
He said multidisciplinary operations such as Operation Retshepeng would remain essential in “disrupting criminal activities while enforcing the law”.
Scheepers also stressed the importance of ensuring that residents of Limpopo remain safe.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court soon on various charges.
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