S. Africa: 1150 arrested at entry points

  1. Posted on Thursday 5 November 2009 - 10:35
    Mernat
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    Mernat Mafirakurewa, AfricaNews reporter in Johannesburg, South Africa
    At least 1,150 suspects have been rounded up in South Africa over the last two weeks for various crimes during a patrol at various entry points, according to the Police Service on Wednesday. The police revealed that stolen goods and accessories worth millions of Rands were recovered during the period.
    South africa police
    SA National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele said new measures are being put in place to reduce crime statistics in the country. "It is evident that measures put in place to tighten security of our country are improving tremendously. In September this year, the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Committee met at the Emperor's Palace to discuss among other matters, cross border crimes,” he said.

    He said police chiefs from other countries in the region have pledged to work with South Africa to reduce cross border crime. "During this meeting my counterparts and I have pledged our support to working together to overcome cross border crimes, and our policing efforts appear to be bearing fruit," said Cele.

    AfricaNews reporter said South Africa is home to millions of illegal migrants from other countries within the continent and as such has seen crime rates spiraling out of control.

    Police spokeswoman Nonkululeko Mbatha said the larger part of confiscated valuables were movable assets in the form of vehicles including LDVs [light duty vehicles], trucks and trailers to the value of $2,185,357 (R16.7 million).

    She added: "In addition, other incriminating items to be presented for probable prosecution, such as firearms, ammunition, drugs (dagga, cocaine, hashish) and counterfeit goods were found in possession of suspects."

    She said a 23-year-old pilot from Johannesburg and his accomplice were arrested on Tuesday for alleged possession of ivory tusks and animal skins without proper documentation that enabled them to possess such valuables.

    Mbatha said the pilot allegedly "sneaked" out of South Africa to Zambia and returned in the early hours of Tuesday. "It has not been established yet if his exit and entry were declared as per procedure to immigration officers as well as customs and excise officers.”

    She said his accomplice an Indian national does not possess any documentation to justify both his travelling and presence in South Africa.

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