Police blitz success
MORE than 20 suspects were nabbed in a multi-disciplinary cross-border operation on Friday.
The operation finished at midnight and was carried out by the various policing stakeholders under King Cetshwayo Cluster.
The operation was divided into three groups that included Saps Flying Squad members who made their way into Empangeni and Richards Bay CBDs, eNseleni, Mandlazini, and Ngwelezana for a stop-andsearch, while the other group conducted a major roadblock at the N2 eNseleni off-ramp.
According to King Cetshwayo District (KCD) police spokesperson Captain Siyanda Shangase, the operation emanated from recent statistics reporting an increase in crime.
“The district commissioner Major General PS Ngubane, upon looking at the increase in crime, ordered a multi-disciplinary integrated cross-border operation be held in the district, focusing on areas identified as hot spots,” said Shangase.
“The mission was to conduct stop-and-search roadblocks; close illegal liquor outlets and enforce compliance based on the Liquor Act; search for drugs, unlicensed firearms, among others,” added Shangase.
Those arrested were charged with a variety of crimes, including drunken driving; contravention of the Liquor Act; assault GBH; possession of drugs, and dealing in dagga.
Stakeholders involved in the operation included police stations and units under KCD, the KZN Liquor Board, provincial traffic police, City of uMhlathuze Traffic Department, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, CPFs, Select Security Services and Mounties Ambulance Service.
The drink driving suspects paid R1 000 bail and appeared in court on Monday.